Organisations from across the North West have been recognised for their success doing business in China at the Department for International Trade’s (DIT) 2019 Greater China Awards, held on Friday the 15th of February at The Lowry, Salford.
The awards recognise companies and organisations from the region that have developed partnerships and business relationships with mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, and were presented by the People’s Republic of China (PRC)’s Deputy Consul General for Manchester, Mr Fan, and HM Trade Commissioner for China, Richard Burn.
The awards, which are now in their 14th year, are run in conjunction with the Exporting is GREAT campaign, a UK Government initiative to inspire and support firms across the country to export.
Paul Stowers, Head of Region (North West) at DIT, said: “The North West and China enjoy incredibly strong trade links, which have brought with them a wide range of economic and cultural opportunities.
“The success of those recognised at the Greater China Awards is a testament to the opportunities available to British businesses in trading in Asia. If these organisations can find success, many others can too.
“Through our network of local International Trade Advisers, DIT stands ready to help any businesses that are interested in exporting, and we offer support in everything from tax differences to identifying potential partners and buyers.”
The Recognition Award was presented to the Manchester-China Forum for its role in supporting trade and inward investment, as well as driving two-way engagement in key sectors such as infrastructure, energy and education.
Liverpool’s Alder Hey Children’s NHS Trust was crowned winner of the Education Links Award following the launch of a paediatric healthcare training programme for Chinese healthcare professionals. This programme runs in partnership with the Beijing Huatong Guokang Foundation – a charity that helps Chinese organisations train overseas.
Meanwhile, Haydock-based ATG Access won the Rising Star Award for growing exports of its innovative perimeter security products.
The final title of the evening, the Business Award, was won by Manchester-based commercial law firm Monarch Solicitors. The business, which also has an office in Hong Kong, specialises in providing legal services to members of the Chinese community, and received praise from the judges for its well-structured strategy.
Winners on the night received a business class return flight to China, courtesy of the award’s principle sponsor, Cathay Pacific.
