Into Somerset encourages business links with China

Sept. 13, 2011 - PRLog -- Into Somerset outlined the vast and exceptional opportunities for collaboration during a visit of Chinese executives to County Hall last week.

Speaking to the delegation from Jinan, the capital of Shandong province in Eastern China, Rupert Cox, Chief Executive of Into Somerset, gave an overview of the Somerset economy. He highlighted the county’s four key business sectors – aerospace & advanced engineering; food & drink; energy; and creative industries – pinpointing the dairy and renewable energy industries as being two of the primary areas for potential business development between China and Somerset.

“The opportunities for Somerset to work more closely with China, in exporting dairy products and importing renewable energy technologies, offer great potential to enable further development of these two key industry sectors,” says Cox.

“Somerset has a strong dairy industry, perfectly placed to meet the growing demands from China for dairy products. Our vibrant food and drink sector boasts the largest number of producers and processors in the UK, with a reputation for high quality products and ingredients.

“Meanwhile, China is one of the world’s leading renewable energy nations and there is a valuable opportunity for Somerset businesses to make links with renewable energy technology partners located there – particularly in Jinan, which is one of the principal areas in China for solar energy.”

Renewable energy is an increasingly important and fast growing sector within Somerset. Benefiting from an existing supply chain thanks to its longstanding expertise in advanced engineering and nuclear power generation, the area has been able to fast-track its growth within this thriving industry. This natural advantage and the continuing advancements made within the county have resulted in national recognition for Somerset as a ‘green leader’.

Located in the heart of the South West, Somerset is extremely well-connected thanks to its excellent road and rail links, meaning access to markets is maximised whilst the cost of transportation can be kept to a minimum. London is only two hours away and with a choice of international airports on the doorstep, Europe and the rest of the world are within easy reach.

A recent multi-million pound government investment in Somerset’s superfast broadband connection will ensure that businesses within the county can become even more competitive, adding to its already impressive £9billion economy.

Into Somerset offers a tailored business relocation service, giving advice and information to facilitate the process. To find out more about the many varied opportunities that Somerset can offer, or for advice and guidance on setting up a business in Somerset call on 0845 1222 066 or visit www.intosomerset.co.uk.