Good advice gratefully received .....

My 2 year multi entry F visa, arranged by a previous UK employer, expires end of year. I no longer work for that employer but I need another similar visa so that I can pursue a business development opportunity here in China. (I have established a Chinese incorporated company in Shanghai with my business partner but it's early days with only the minimum registered share capital invested - I hope to get a Z visa one day - but not yet). I can arrange for invitations from other companies and normally I guess I would just get a new F visa processed in the UK - except that I now spend most of my time in China. Does anyone know if I can get a new 2 year multi entry F visa whilst I am actually here in China ?