Over recent years many Sheffield companies have become increasingly active in the Chinese market and Sheffield is becoming seen as the place for Chinese businesses to invest. In order to support trade with China and investment into Sheffield, organisations in the city have come together to forge the Sheffield China Business Network. The Network has identified the need for guidance and support for Sheffield companies, who face many challenging cultural barriers when looking to enter the Chinese market.
China’s economy grew an average of 8.4% in 2009 and 11.9% in first quarter 2010 and this offers significant opportunities for Sheffield businesses. However, China can be a complex market to tackle due to many cultural, economical and political barriers such as; differing labour laws, exchange rates and a vastly different business culture. The Sheffield China Business Network recognises these common problems and wants to assist Sheffield companies overcome these barriers and benefit from this growing market.