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Business Focus >>

The new manufacturers The new manufacturers

A great British renaissance has been taking place. From Aberdeen to the West Country, the zing is back in manufacturing. It’s about time this spectacular story was told.

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China: the business and cultural secrets

by Charles Orton-Jones - Monday, 11th February 2008 -

China: the business and cultural secrets

The amazing story of Stockport County FC and its international initiatives, and other stories of doing business in China.

Just how big Stockport FC is in China, no-one can say. The club dominates the sport in Liaoning, population 42 million, and the fan base has mushroomed across a dozen provinces in central and western China. Each summer the team plays to sell out stadiums in Hubei, Shaanxi and Sichuan. One region’s government, Xinjiang, built a stadium and founded a team just so they could host the mighty Hatters. The TV audience for their last tour hit 700 million.

The club is achieving what every company in the industrialised world dreams of, namely turning the world’s fastest growing economy into a core market.

With 1.3 billion untapped consumers and an economy that has sustained double- digit growth for a decade in the East, China is a mouth-watering destination for exporters. Unfortunately, Stockport County is a rare exception; most British businesses rarely get beyond the drooling stage.

The secret of Stockport's success: guanxi, which translates roughly as "relationships". For any aspiring international UK business, you must understand that long, deep-rooted business relationships are the key to success in China. Click here to read the full story about how to build your business in China.

BUSINESS NEWS >>

Online future is bright for Cornish auction house 

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By Kate Pritchard - August 21, 2008 11:57am GMT

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Local knowledge is key to success in the Middle East

By Catherine Woods - August 20, 2008 5:34pm GMT

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Celebrity endorsement for food entrepreneur

By Kate Pritchard - August 20, 2008 5:28pm GMT

Jennifer Irvine set up home-delivery meals firm The Pure Package in 2004 from her kitchen. Today she turns over £1.2m and has over 3,000 clients on her books, including Ruby Wax, Patsy Kensit and handbag designer Anya Hindmarch. “I’ve never marketed the brand to celebrities,” she says. “They’ve come to me.” So, what’s her secret?

Green award attracts clients to Fresh

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Cheadle-based creative media group Fresh is upfront about its environmental credentials. Co-founder and director Julie Besbrode says the firm has become one of only a few in the UK to be granted a globally recognised environmental award.

Brochures on Saving and investing

BUSINESS COMMENT >>

Dragons’ Den: Where are they now?

By Rebecca Burn-Callander - August 21, 2008 5:02pm GMT

If you (like us) were wondering whatever happened to all those businesses that faced the Dragons’ wrath in the Den over the past six series, look no further.

How do you fund your growth?

By Zarrin Lilani - August 20, 2008 4:09pm GMT

As the economic situation worsens in the UK, we’re hearing reports that smaller businesses aren't managing their finances in the best way.

Ten lessons for entrepreneurs from Team GB at the Olympics

By Stuart Rock - August 20, 2008 11:59am GMT

Chris Hoy, Rebecca Adlington, Ben Ainslie: entrepreneurs can learn from all of them

Is Bob Dylan the entrepreneur's soundtrack?

By Matthew Rock - August 20, 2008 10:07am GMT

The chief executive of property developer Brixton yesterday quoted Bob Dylan's "All along the watchtower" lyrics to sum up the state of the property market. So which songs best sum up the life of the entrepreneur? Here are our suggestions.

Apprentice star gets nobbled by wall

By Rebecca Burn-Callander - August 19, 2008 4:57pm GMT

Nicholas De Lacy-Brown thought being fired by Alan Sugar was bad. Little did he know that a few months later, he’d receive a far more crushing blow.

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