Fictitious company prompts discussions about China

The dilemmas and hurdles faced by firms when doing business in China were discussed at an interactive workshop which took place in Leeds on September 5.

‘Yorkshire company faces China dilemma’ was the name of the event which attracted a number of business delegates from across the region – all of whom had an interest in the Chinese market.

As well as representatives from businesses in Leeds and other areas in Yorkshire, the event was attended by key China business contacts from across the region, including Joanna Lavan from ConnectChina, Giles Blackburne from the China-Britain Business Council and Josh Wong from DLA Piper UK LLP. Simon Bedford, UK Trade & Investment regional sector specialist for overseas joint ventures and investment was also present to offer advice on his area of expertise.

The workshop was based around a case study of a fictitious company, ‘AP Ferris Ltd’, which was based on the experiences of a number of real-life companies. The case study followed AP Ferris as it decided to enter the Chinese market, and as it set up a joint venture with a Chinese firm, experiencing several problems along the way.

The case study facilitated discussion amongst the delegates and raised many questions along the way relating to the way in which the company conducted its business. This enabled the various China experts present at the event to offer their advice on what a company should have done in each situation in order to avoid particular problems and obstacles.

The issues addressed included finding suppliers, the importance of good interpreting, joint venture agreements and intellectual property.

The event format was a new kind for hosts DLA Piper, yet proved to successfully highlight many of the issues that can arise when trading not just with China, but with any overseas market.

Adam Cross, of the Centre for Chinese Business and Development, Leeds University Business School, who chaired the event, said: “China should be on the radar screen of every company in the region.

“If you haven’t been, you should go. You have to see it with your own eyes to believe the opportunities that are out there.”