Chinese businesses seek UK partners on Buckinghamshire ‘speed dating’ day

Chinese businesses seek UK partners on Buckinghamshire ‘speed dating’ day

• PwC, Huiyuan and International Group host 4^th annual UK – China corporate introductions day
• Chinese real estate, private equity and retail businesses to meet UK healthcare, food& drink, marine and hotel businesses

Senior representatives of some 15 Chinese business will descend on Stoke Park, Buckinghamshire next Tuesday 26^th May where they hope to meet the partner of their dreams – a UK business with which to collaborate or enter a joint venture.

The UK – China CEO Dialogue event introduces UK businesses seeking Chinese joint venture partners, investors or opportunities to export their goods and services to Chinese businesses hungry for brands that will succeed in China, the largest consumer market on earth.

The meeting takes place in May at Stoke Park – the luxury Country Club and Hotel of family-owned International Group, which has hosted the event in conjunction with PwC since 2014 – and also in November in Beijing, where it is hosted by Mr Zhu Xinli, founder and Chairman of one of the largest fruit juice producers in China, Huiyuan Group. The programme is supported by UK Trade & Investment, China-Britain Business Council and the China Entrepreneur Club

Attendees gather for a panel discussion in the morning and spend the afternoon in one to one cycles of ‘speed dating’ meetings to explore how they might work together in the future.

Sir Tom Troubridge, PwC partner and Chairman of PwC’s China Business Group, says:

‘Everyone agrees that there is immense potential and mutual benefit of Chinese and UK companies working together through joint ventures and collaborative partnerships, but that doesn’t mean it’s a straightforward thing to achieve. Barriers of expectation, culture and language can slow things down.

‘Bringing people together in this way compresses a process that might take years into just one day. We have seen great results from these speed dating events in the past and would encourage both private sector companies and government agencies to run, sponsor or support similar meetings.’

UK businesses attending this year’s event include cider makers, shortbread producers, healthcare providers, a marina business and an international hotel group. They will meet Chinese representatives from business focused on retail, food & drink, media, real estate and private equity.

Hertford King, Chief Executive of International Group, says:

‘We are delighted to be hosting the CEO Dialogue here at Stoke Park for the second time. This event is very special, giving UK and Chinese business leaders a regular opportunity to meet face to face. Only this type of dialogue builds the friendships and trust which lead to successful business collaborations that normally take years to achieve.

‘Our company International Group has been active in China for over three years. We are currently working with our partners and clients on seven major projects, with a total investment value of over £2 billion in the leisure and health sectors. By helping facilitate an event such as this, we hope to encourage further collaborations between Chinese and British companies and strengthen relationships. We are looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones.’

Mr Zhu Xinli, Chairman of Huiyuan Group, says:

‘UK China CEO Dialogue originated from a long history of investments and trading between China and the UK. It follows the globalisation of the world's economy and establishes a platform for the entrepreneurs from the two nations in a refreshing and effective way.’

Ends

Notes to editors

Journalists wishing to attend the morning session, please contact Nick Downie at Stoke Park, or Andrew Smith at PwC. The afternoon session are closed to journalists, but lunch will be provided at Stoke Park.

Companies wishing to attend the Stoke Park event, or register for future PwC UK – China introduction events should contact yan.foye@uk.pwc.com

Chinese businesses attending the 4^th China – UK CEO Dialogue event at Stoke Park, Buckinghamshire, 26 May 2015 include: Fosun Group; Huiyuan Group; Santone Group; Buchang Pharmaceutical; By-Health; Qingdao Liqun Department Store; Besunyen Holdings Company Ltd; Beijing Puxiang Hospital Investment Group; Redstone Group; Lunar Capital Management; Beijing Shenzhou Lingsan Phropyllite Co.

UK Businesses attending the 4^th China – UK CEO Dialogue event at Stoke Park, Buckinghamshire, 26 May 2015 include: Aston Manor; International Group; InterContinental Hotels Group; MDL Marinas; Bell Hammer; Careshield; Phynova Group; Phynova Group Ltd, Walkers Shortbread Ltd; Noble Foods;

Link to biog of Mr Zhu Xinli of Huiyuan Group, China’s largest fruit juice producer http://www.daonong.com/English/information/2013/0813/41149.html

About International Group

The International Group of companies is a private family business founded in the UK in 1964.

International Group (IGroup) provides a unique combination of project management skills and expertise as owners and managers in the following sectors:

Hospital Development, Construction and Management Services

Wellness Facility Advisory, Development, Construction and Management Services

5 Star Member Clubs and Hotels Ownership and Management Services

Luxury Brand Development, Sales and Marketing Services

Real Estate Ownership and Development

Product and Packaging Innovation

Training, Healthcare and Safety Services

IGroup has built an international reputation in 51 countries based on high quality service to its clients (completing over 470 projects with a total value of £3bn) including: the United Nations; the World Bank and more than 25 Governments. www.igroup.co.uk

About PwC

PwC helps organisations and individuals create the value they’re looking for. We’re a network of firms in 157 countries with more than 195,000 people who are committed to delivering quality in assurance, tax and advisory services. Find out more and tell us what matters to you by visiting us at www.pwc.com

PwC refers to the PwC network and/or one or more of its member firms, each of which is a separate legal entity. Please see www.pwc.com/structure for further details.

Contact:

Andrew Smith, media relations, PwC

Tel: 020 7213 1216, Mobile: 07841 491180

Email: andrew.x.smith@uk.pwc.com

Nick Downie, Head of Communications, International Group

Tel: 01753 71 71 76 Email: ndownie@stokepark.com