North West firms strike China deals

TWO North West firms announced deals in China yesterday as senior Government figures continued trade talks in the country.

Ultra Electronics’ Airport Systems business, based in Manchester, said it had established a joint test and demonstration laboratory in Beijing with TopScientific Systems with the aim of establishing the industry standard for airport and airline operational IT systems.

Wigan-based Utilise, which specialises in training workers who work for utility companies and in the construction sector, is signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Beijing Gas.

They were among 16 deals announced as Business Secretary Vince Cable opened three days of trade talks. Mr Cable has been joined on the trip with Prime Minister David Cameron, Chancellor George Osborne, Energy Secretary Chris Huhne and Education Secretary Michael Gove.

Today George Osborne and China’s Deputy Prime Minister Qang Qishan will meet for the Economic and Financial Dialogue after which David Cameron will attend a UK-China summit. On Thursday, there will be a business summit.

Mr Cable said: “These talks take the relationship between the UK and China to a new level. I warmly congratulate those companies which have announced deals today. China is a huge opportunity for UK businesses and I would urge more companies to follow in their footsteps. China is our ninth largest export market, but it is the world’s second largest economy and the potential for expanding our partnership is huge.”