Expo presence provides trade boost

LIVERPOOL’S presence at Shanghai Expo has helped to boost trade for firms in the city to the tune of £6.5m over the past 12 months, according to new research.

Liverpool-based Curiosity Research found that sponsors of Liverpool’s Pavilion at the Expo had secured sales of more than £3m to China, while other businesses who had not traded with China before the Expo but had begun to do so since had chalked up a further £3.5m of business.

The research, which was commissioned by the city’s publicly-funded economic development arm, Liverpool Vision, found that of the companies that are trading with China, 40% had not considered doing so before Expo.

Around 30% of the sponsors had begun trading with China, and 60% of these accredited this to their presence at Expo.

Ailsa Horne, head of international and investment at Liverpool Vision, said: “Liverpool approached Expo with priorities in mind – to raise the profile of the city and to enable sponsors and businesses to forge new relationships and contacts with Chinese businesses and investors.

“Expo may have finished but building on our successful Chinese adventure continues and these findings show that Liverpool businesses are embracing the opportunities created by our links with our sister city of Shanghai, as well as investigating trade links in other parts of the country.”

Liverpool City Council is also continuing to host China networking and briefing sessions to help overcome barriers to entry into the market.

Cllr Nick Small, the city council’s cabinet member for employment, enterprise and skills, said: “Lack of local knowledge and the language and cultural differences are still seen as an impediment, but we are working on that through our bespoke business club and I am confident that it will result in further great results for our businesses trading with China.”