New appointment: East Midlands’ firms helped to focus on China

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) has appointed a China specialist for the East Midlands, in conjunction with the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC).

Jasmine Chambers joins the 21-strong international trade adviser team helping drive through the government's agenda of encouraging more businesses to export goods and services throughout the world.

Jasmine will provide ongoing support to create strategic export initiatives and specialist advice to East Midlands firms based on her extensive experience in international business practice.

For the past eight years she has worked for Reabrook in Derbyshire, supporting the development of their international trade strategy and leading their successful campaign to break into the Chinese market.

Jasmine undertook her first degree in Shanghai, before attending the University of Derby 11 years ago to complete her Masters Degree in Marketing Management. 

She said:

"China is an exciting but challenging market for UK firms.  While the tremendous scope of business potential is easy to acknowledge, companies need to recognise and constantly catch up with the speed and depth of the market change and the complexity of the operating environment.

"Language and cultural barriers aside, businesses are also facing challenges of rising labour costs, increasing local competition, ongoing Intellectual Property Rights and legal enforcement, protectionism and bureaucracy.

"With my Chinese background and firsthand experience of developing UK business in China, I will be able to provide a unique perspective and advice to help firms manage possible obstacles and risks to enter and grow business in the Chinese market."

China reached ninth of the UK's top export countries last year, from being outside of the top 20 in 2010.  Latest statistics released by HMRC show that for the East Midlands sales to Asia & Oceania , principally India and China, are at their highest level ever, breaking through the £1bn barrier for the first time.

Jasmine added:

"There are some truly creative and innovative businesses in the East Midlands that have the products and services that Chinese buyers are looking for.  With effective planning and quality advice companies can mitigate risks and achieve their full potential trading with China."

UKTI has 2,400 staff across the globe and a presence in 96 countries.

Working in close partnership with UKTI and the British Embassy and Consulates in China, the CBBC is the leading organisation helping UK companies grow and develop their business. CBBC has been engaged with China for nearly 60 years and has nine UK offices and 11 offices across key locations in China providing invaluable local insight, access and knowledge.

To find out more about selling overseas call the East Midlands Export Hotline on 0845 052 4001.