Business talks under way for Shropshire companies on China visit

The business trip, which has been in the pipeline for several months, got off to a busy start after dozens of Shropshire businessmen flew to Shanghai to explore opportunities within the lucrative Chinese automobile industry.

Shrewsbury Mayor Jon Tandy, who is leading the visit, is also keen to improve tourism links - having entered into a memorandum of understanding between Shrewsbury and Changshu.

Changshu is an industrial town with a population of one-and-a-half million people, and is home to giants in the automobile industry.

A delegation from Shropshire arrived in Shanghai yesterday morning, and visited Chery Jaguar LandRover, which turns over billions of pounds every year.

Mayor Tandy was whisked straight into meetings with Changshu government officials, and said the trip has so far exceeded his expectations

He said: "I cannot believe that we have all made it here, we have travelled thousands of miles and I must admit it is better then I even hoped it would be.

"I am very glad I wore a suit on the flight because I stepped off the plane and went straight into meetings with business executives and government officials.

"The opportunity is amazing and the hospitality has been second to none because they are keen to have us here."

The party were treated to a 10-course banquet on their first evening in China, and dined on traditional cuisine such as jellyfish and seafood soup.

Business cards were quickly exchanged and toasting went on long into the night in celebration of the fledgling relationship between Shropshire and Changshu.

Only a select few were invited to visit Chery Jaguar LandRover the following day, including Shrewsbury-based company, Salop Design and Engineering.

Managing director of the family firm, Richard Homden, believes the visit may serve as a chance for Shropshire to work with Jaguar in the future.

Mr Homden said: "I saw the delegation list of the companies coming and thought it was too good an opportunity to miss.

"Jaguar was absolutely amazing, the opportunity is immense and I am here in the hope of future exploration.

"I hope to potentially partner both British companies that have come out here and Chinese companies so it is a very exciting time."

Also hoping to make an impression was Mr Karl Doody, managing director of Welshpool-based software firm 27Stars.

Mr Doody, who founded his firm seven years ago, said: "The automobile industry out here is on a massive high but it is a different story back in the UK.

"I've worked with big brands such as Google and Coca Cola and companies out here may need software installing, so this was a chance I couldn't miss."

The delegation have a packed itinerary, and were given a tour of Qoros automotive factory, alongside Changshu Economic Development Zone.

The body is similar to Shropshire Chamber of Commerce and Mr Tandy gave a speech at their headquarters.

Following the trip, Changshu and Shrewsbury may work together for a further 10 years, in a move that should see Chinese tourists visit Shrewsbury.

Mr Tandy said: "As pointed out by the Mayor of Changshu, our towns have much in common.

"We have a shared aim and I stand by the fact that I think this is the only way for Shropshire to prosper."

The party will breakfast in a traditional Chinese temple tomorrow, as well as attending various banquets held by local leaders in a bid to develop a friendship between two towns that are thousands of miles apart - but not so unalike after all.