Member Article

The time is now: North East firms encouraged to explore Chinese business links

With business uncertainty very much at the forefront of many a mind in the region following Brexit, North East firms are being encouraged to explore the possibility of trade further afield.

Northumbria University’s Newcastle Business School is among those advocating the Chinese marketplace as a viable option for firms to look to, a commercial area which the North East already holds strong links and innovation-sharing partnerships.

The School has worked extensively with China for a number of years, with around 700 Chinese students coming to the University to study each year.

Prof Yu Xiong, chair of technology and operations management at Newcastle Business School, recently took a small business party to London to find out more by attending the 9th China UK Entrepreneurship Challenge Competition.

Invited to better understand how regional businesses can explore the commercial opportunities offered by gaining access to China, North East business coaches David Anderson of Auxin Group and Peter Kerr of 8020 Consultants, along with their client Dr Olusola Idowa of Newcastle based skin care specialist Hexis Labs, made the trip.

Peter Kerr said: “This was a rare opportunity to get exposure to some very influential people within both the British international trade department along with senior Chinese government representatives. Prof Xiong has for some time been a key conduit for improved Chinese links and relations with the North East.

“As coaches that are focussed on helping North East businesses develop and secure more business, particularly following the EU referendum, the event and opportunity to meet such people was of huge value. North East businesses can only prosper by exploring this enormous market further.

Prof Xiong added: “It was great to see David and Peter along with their client Hexis Labs make the effort to attend this particular event.

“The North East is a wonderful place to live and work and I am confident we can find opportunities to collaborate in the future. There are many ways that closer ties can help both North East and Chinese businesses.”