Is it really possible for Britain to lead the EU?

I read an article on Financial Times today called "Britain: A time to lead rather than leave the EU". Is it really possible for Britain to lead the EU? Firstly, the reason for Britain to join the EU in the first place is that the rest of Europe is the largest trade partner of Britain, having a trade deal matches the Britain's best interest. Secondly, the largest economy in the EU is not Britain, it is Germany.  For Britain to lead the EU will be costly. Britain has already had a relatively dominated position in the EU. To lead the EU means Britain has to extend its budget to further fund some of the EU members, which is Britain is always avoiding to do. Moreover, because Britain does not join the Eurozone, the only thing wanted by Britain from the EU is that the EU could ask Britain for fewer returns, which can never be achieved by leading the EU. Leading the EU is actually going in the opposite direction. Therefore, I think that Britain has no reason to lead the EU, as it is fair to say that all Britain wants from the EU is a piece of the current trade agreement.