Minister for Trade & Investment, Lord Green, said:
“China’s staggering pace of growth is creating a wealth of opportunities for UK firms. From high-value infrastructure projects to the growth in demand for low carbon goods and services, UK firms, especially SMEs, are well placed to provide cutting edge expertise.
“Over 99 per cent of the UK’s 4.8 million businesses are SMEs, yet at present, only 20 per cent are exporters. We believe there is scope to increase that figure considerably and that is why UKTI is committed to supporting SMEs in key markets such as China.”
Lord Green is speaking at the SME CEO Forum, alongside China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) Chairman Sir David Brewer and the Chinese Ambassador to the UK Liu Xiaoming. This is followed by a panel discussion on UK SME commercial engagement, the implications of China’s 12th Five Year Plan and the support that UKTI can provide to companies who want to expand their business in China.
Participating SME CEOs will have the opportunity to discuss opportunities related to sustainable cities, high value opportunities and China’s regional cities.
UKTI International Trade Advisers, CBBC, UK Intellectual Property Office staff and company representatives will offer advice on trade support services, funding sources, tax and legal issues, and intellectual property rights.
Sir David Brewer, CBBC Chairman said:
“I am delighted to be supporting the UK-China SME CEO Forum. This key initiative reflects the importance of SMEs to Britain’s economy as well as the emerging opportunities China offers. Ninety-nine per cent of British companies are SMEs and in China 99 per cent of companies in the private sector are SMEs too.
“The opportunities for commercial partnerships between Britain and China are immense. If companies are unable to join us at this key event in London, they should join us in Cambridge, Manchester or Leeds over the coming months where the China-Britain Business Council, with UKTI, will be highlighting opportunities in China. Two thirds of our members and much of our daily work at CBBC is supporting SMEs and their strategies in China. We want to hear from SMEs that are serious about exploring China”
Delcam CEO Clive Martell, who is also speaking at today’s event, said:
“Delcam has operated in mainland China for more than 15 years and now has 50 staff in the country supporting more than 1,500 customers. We have received regular support from UKTI in developing our business, in particular by helping us to meet potential customers during inward and outward missions, and at exhibitions.”
The SME CEO Forum will take place in Cambridge on 22 June, with further events planned in Manchester and Leeds over the summer.
