Good fortune for Greater Manchester

A Greater Manchester College is hoping the Year of the Tiger will bring good fortune after a successful mission to China with UKTI.

The Organisational Learning Centre (OLC) based in Bolton, joined a UKTI mission to Wuhan, Manchester's sister city at the end of last year. Wuhan is the capital city of Hubei Province which has a population of over 8 million people.

OLC's Managing Director, Chris Bamber said:
"The mission has been vital for the organisations strategy to export to China; we have established many strong relationships with educational institutions in Wuhan and, after being introduced to senior contacts by UKTI, are aware of the processes and barriers we may be exposed to and methods to overcome them."

OLC, provide professional courses in Business Management and Science and Engineering for UK and oversees students. The college were already in talks with one of UKTI's Trade Advisors when they applied to join the mission.

UKTI's Head of International Trade, Lynn Shaw said:
"The aim of the mission was to break down barriers for delegates so they can seize the growing number of existing opportunities in Wuhan while at the same time preparing them for the challenges they may face in doing so. For optimum results, our service is tailored to that of the individual company."

Others representing Greater Manchester included an emissions control company, a risk management consultancy, and a fashion and design agency (Hong Kong only).

"Before we had even boarded the plane, UKTI had set up one to ones with contacts within education. The Foreign Affairs Office and Chamber of Commerce in Wuhan also organised a business meeting day where we were introduced to other useful contacts," said Chris.

"Through the year of the tiger we are looking to build on these foundations and offer our courses to business in Wuhan, while at the same time strengthening Greater Manchester's links with its sister city."