The three-day Enterprise Nation Go Global Mission will help 40 of the UK’s most dynamic and innovative businesses to become world-leading global enterprises through doing business with the fastest-growing economy in the world.
The independent delegates on the September mission will have their experience subsidised by leading global brands with a solid British grounding including HP, PayPal, HSBC, UKTI and the British China Business Council.
Small business network Enterprise Nation founder Emma Jones, who will lead the delegation said: “Exploring the Chinese market is an unprecedented opportunity – and yet the majority of home-grown businesses shy away from international trade because of perceived language, cultural and business barriers.
“The reality is that the booming Chinese market would welcome British firms with open arms through the right approaches, contacts and introductions.
“Last year Enterprise Nation led a successful small businesses mission to the US, which saw a delegation of micro businesses come away with just under £400K worth of businesses and a bag full of contacts under their belt. This year we’re pushing further afield, with a solid purpose.
“We’re offering the kinds of opportunities that are usually only given to big businesses – while 99 per cent of all British firms are small or micros. We’re looking forward to it.”
The mission will play an important role in the launch of the ‘HP Go Global Awards’ which recognise UK SMBs aiming to turn their businesses into truly global enterprises.
Six award finalists will be offered a complimentary place on the mission, with two overall winners receiving an HP Go Global Award for Best Breakthrough Exporter of the Year’ & ‘Next Breakthrough Exporter of the Year,’ and additional valuable SMB support.
The Enterprise Nation Go Global mission is looking for applications from companies looking to source production in China as well as sell to consumers in China
Jones added: “China is a market where 55,000 babies are born every day and 10 million weddings take place every year. That’s a lot of rings, gifts, fashion and baby clothes to be bought so the opportunity lends itself perfectly to designers and producers of food and drink, beauty and cosmetics, home wares, giftware, children’s toys, fashion and jewellery.”
The three day trip will include flights, accommodation, visits with Shanghai’s leading entrepreneurs and introduction to Alibaba contacts at its Hangzhou headquarters.
Applications should be submitted by Friday May 29 at enterprisenation.com/goglobal
The mission itself will take place in September successful delegates and HP winners will be notified in June.