Percival role full of Far Eastern promise

DAVID Percival has joined the Manchester China Forum as its China-based chairman.

Percival is currently managing director of Deloitte’s China International Business Development Group and will support the Forum in its long-term commitment to UK-China commercial collaboration by focusing on increasing Greater Manchester’s business connectivity with the country.

He has a background as head of UKTI’s investment team in China and as a senior British Consul overseeing the UK Government’s relations with Chinese businesses.

“From a Chinese business perspective, Manchester is increasingly emerging as one of Europe’s most appealing cities for establishing overseas connectivity,” he said.

“Its drawing power includes an economy and infrastructure that shows no signs of slowing down, along with exceptional strengths in governance and growing autonomy. 

“However, there is still a great deal of work to be done in getting this message across to a broader audience of Chinese leaders and investors, and the Manchester China Forum is making good progress with this challenge.”