Final call for UKTI’s Greater China Awards
THERE’s just over a week to go to the deadline for entries for UK Trade & Investment’s North West Greater China awards.
The awards, in their ninth year, celebrate export success and achievement in this important and fast-growing market.
Entries must be received by Wednesday 5 February, and the winners will be announced on February 21 at The Lowry, Salford Quays at a celebratory dinner to welcome in the Year of the Horse.
The awards honour any company or organisation in the North West which has made a significant contribution to developing business or relationships with mainland China, Taiwan or Hong Kong during 2013, including bi-lateral trade or investment and education and community links.
One winner and one runner up will be chosen for each of the following three categories:
The China Business Award, for companies which have had links with Greater China for more than three years;
The China Rising Star award – for companies relatively new to the market, which have had links with the region for less than three years, and
The China Education Links Award for Universities, Higher Education Institutes and businesses offering training and education links to Greater China.
The day begins with an afternoon seminar China Bites with a panel of business experts. This is open to all businesses will includes information on selling, buying and partnering in Greater China.
Philomena Chen, head of Asia Pacific development for UKTI says; “Last year’s winners came from across a wide range of sectors, from a usiness making cleaning fluids to an architect firm, and from a company advertising whisky to an advanced manufacturing business.
“No matter what sector, we are looking for companies who have shown outstanding commitment to forging links with Greater China, and have demonstrated a positive and determined approach combined with sound business strategy in order to develop relationships within the region.
“Greater China continues to be of major importance on the global stage and we are sure that our winning companies will be able to enjoy long term rewards and success in return for the time they have invested in furthering their business interests there.”
Clive Drinkwater, regional director of UKTI, added: “Most businesses are aware of the huge potential offered in Greater China but it takes effort and dedication to do business there, as the nominations we have received so far prove.
“These awards offer a fantastic opportunity to recognise those businesses which have done the most to strengthen the links between the regional economy and that of China and I urge all companies which have worked hard to succeed there to get their nominations in right away.”
Entry forms are available from: philomena.chen@uktinorthwest.co.uk , by telephone on 0161 875 2328.
