We are two weeks from the GWOC as it’s now being called. It will be the biggest combined business delegation of UK companies to Hong Kong– ever – and promises to be a landmark event for everyone involved. The delegation will be led by Lord Marland, Chairman of the UK Business Ambassador network and companies will be exploring opportunities in Hong Kong and in Mainland China, with a focus on luxury, fashion and design, all under the GREAT banner.
Celebrating all that is GREAT about British Creativity, highlights of the week include a Business Design Summit led by Sir John Sorrell, British Fashion Council’s catwalk shows and Walpole’s Medal of Excellence. Our GREAT week builds on the success of the Business Embassy at the Olympics, which was a show window for British creativity and excellence. It also follows on the success of London Fashion Week and the London Design Festival just a few weeks ago.
Why Hong Kong? This market offers huge potential to UKexporters. Hong Konghas around 34 000 creative industry-related establishments, with more than 189 000 practitioners. Hong Kong’s share of the worldwide luxury market is projected to more than double over the next ten years. Shoppers from mainland China account for 20% of all retail sales inHong Kong, and 50% of all luxury goods sales. Hong Kong is the springboard to China, and the fashion and design brands that get into Hong Kong in the next few years are the ones most likely to be still reaping the benefit in 10 years time. Oh, and I should also mention that Hong Kong is the easiest place in the world to do business – and the most fun with a wonderful buzz of East meets West!
So what is happening? Around 30 events over the week, starting with a core programme spelling out opportunities in the creative sector, and advice on key subjects such as IP/trademark protection. There are a mixture of public events, B2B and knowledge transfer. We have developed a website and free Mobile App to navigate around the week and to provide a platform for participating companies. And leading from the Consulate will be our new Consul-General, Caroline Wilson, I wonder which UK fashion label she will be inspired to wear?
And demonstrating the breadth of UK’s Creative Sector, the week will come to a spectacular close with a private showing of Skyfall, the latest James Bond film, preceded by a VIP reception at the British Consulate. I can’t wait!
For now though the focus is on last minute details for the week and ensuring we are ready to make this a huge success for GREAT Britain and Hong Kong.
UK companies interested in signing up for the delegation visit should see www.ukti.gov.uk/creativityweek for more information.
Visit the official GREAT Week of Creativity website.