26 contents COUNTRY FOCUS

As UK exports to China hit a record £7.6bn per annum, we explore the next wave of opportunities for UK companies looking to head east

04 | springboard | www.ukti.gov.uk

contributors

DOMINIC MIDGLEY State of the nation, page 12

“While researching the state of UK exports, what stood out is that British GDP is up by just 0.2 per cent in the second quarter of 2011. Malaysia’s is up by 9.5 per cent in the fi rst half of last year alone.”

JANET TIBBLE The rise of China’s cities, page 26

“Until now the main business focus has been along the eastern seaboard, but research shows that opportunities in less well-known areas may be more accessible for UK companies.”

RICHARD NORTHEDGE A new Leaf, page 36

“Japanese car makers are famed for just- in-time production schedules. So Nissan will lose no output to bring the new Leaf on line. The new battery plant was tested during this summer’s annual shutdown: next Easter’s holiday will see an existing production line switched to the new electric vehicles.”

IMAGE: PHOTOLIBRARY