China mission generates £½ million business leads

More than half a million pounds of business leads were generated and almost 1,000 students were signed up by companies, on a trade mission to China this year.

The mission, which took place in summer, was organised by Chamber Management Services on behalf of Leeds Chamber. According to a recent evaluation, the companies attending gave overwhelmingly positive feedback.

Barry Napper from Barry Napper & Co in Doncaster and Tony Vickerman from Webb Worlds Ltd, based in Sheffield, both felt their visit to the country was an important first step in preparing for trade. Mr Vickerman said: "The mission was to establish a first look at China and its advantages. I made some good contacts and hope to return later this year."

Simon Brigham, Managing Director of Leeds-based Glassflake organised a significant order for his company during the visit. He said: “The mission was a great platform to operate from.”

Andrew Mandebura from the University of Huddersfield said the visit would help to increase its presence in China, saying: "We have appointed a new agent in Hangzhou who has already sent us two students for Masters programmes.”

The trade mission was sponsored by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

The next visit to China, taking place in April 2007, will take delegates to Shanghai and Hangzhou. Missions to Pakistan and India are also planned. For more information contact Mohammed Ahmed on 01422 253353.

Details of upcoming trade missions (including those organised by Chamber Management Services) can be found in the events diary.