Chamber prepares for largest ever trade mission

A Yorkshire business support organisation is preparing to lead its largest overseas trade mission to date as firms look to expand into international markets.

West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce will take a delegation of regional businesses to China and Hong Kong later this month.

The mission, supported by Teesside International Airport as a Gold Sponsor, will see companies from sectors including tech, education, professional services and manufacturing explore new partnerships and opportunities.

Destinations include Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong, selected following member recommendations and previous successful trade visits.

James Mason, chief executive of West & North Yorkshire Chamber, said: “At a time when there is so much instability for businesses transacting abroad, we want to use our tried and tested Chamber brand to give our members confidence to take their first-class goods and services around the planet.

“Given that the total trade between the UK and China was £102.3 billion last year and that China remains the country’s fifth largest trading partner, it makes complete sense why our members want to forge greater connections with these territories.

“In an ever-shrinking world, we want to ensure our members get all the support they can to trade internationally.”

The trip builds on growing links between Yorkshire and China, with Teesside Airport recently launching a new long-haul freight connection to the region.

European Cargo’s chief operating officer Iain Edwards added: “Our new operational base at Teesside International Airport is significant step forward in our mission to connect UK businesses with global markets, offering a faster, more reliable export route for manufacturers across the North of England.

“Our investment in Teesside reflects our confidence in the region’s infrastructure and its potential as a premier logistics gateway. 

“This trade mission provides an important platform to build on our investment by strengthening links with a key trading partner and delivering outstanding opportunities for regional businesses."

Phil Forster, managing director at Teesside International Airport, added: “The launch of this dedicated cargo service marks a major step forward for Teesside Airport and the wider region.

“It establishes direct, reliable links to one of the world’s leading centres of global trade, creating significant new export opportunities for businesses across northern England.

"This trade mission will help strengthen the already vital relationship between the UK and our partners in China, while accelerating our ambitions to position Teesside as a globally connected hub for trade, investment and economic growth.”

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