Bristol businesses to celebrate 20th Anniversary of partnership with China

Bristol business leaders will gather this week to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the city’s partnership with Guangzhou, sister city in China, and to discuss the future of trade between the two cities. 

Image: Dianne Francombe OBE

Local businesspeople can attend to learn and join discussions about the future vision and plans for trading with China and hear about the latest regional research findings for trade development. 

This will also provide opportunities for joining future China missions and guidance on how best to do business with China. 

This event, organised by the Institute of Directors South West will offer first-hand insights into current developments by giving attendees the chance to hear talks directly from business leaders who have attended trade delegations and work directly with or in China.  

The speakers include Dianne Francombe OBE and Richard Lowe MIoD. Dianne is the Chief Executive of the Bristol & West of England China Bureau a not-for-profit company working to develop strong and sustainable relationships between Bristol and the West of England in the UK and China especially the city of Guangzhou. Dianne has 30 years’ experience working with China at all levels and developed influential links to Municipal Governments and a range of organisations. 

Richard is Managing Director of Hewlett Rand, and a Board Director responsible for Business Initiatives of the Bristol and West of England China Bureau. Over eight years, Richard has led trade missions, organised trade events and cross border networking for forge ever closer relationships and commercial opportunities, as well as exporting his training services to the region. 

This is a Hybrid event, with the opportunity to attend in person at HSBC Bristol or join online by emailing kerri-anne.mruk@iod.com to request a link. The event starts at 9am on the January 21.