Member Article

Support offered to crack Chinese markets

Two businesses are joining forces to offer support to firms targeting China.

NOF Energy, the business development organisation for oil, gas, nuclear and offshore renewables sectors, has formed the new partnership with TDC International Services.

TDC will deliver an introductory Mandarin programme at NOF Energy’s dedicated training suite at its offices in Durham, which is designed to help North East business people gain basic knowledge of the language and cultural etiquette.

The beginners programme, which is open to both members and non-members of NOF Energy, will be launched with a workshop on October 3, held at NOF Energy providing an introduction to the energy market in China and include presentations from experienced people who have successfully traded with the country.

The first programme, which will be delivered by qualified teacher and Chinese national Joanna Deng, begins on October 17, and runs each Thursday for five weeks.

Each week, during a two-hour session, Joanna will introduce delegates to some key basic Mandarin phrases and etiquette that will increase confidence when meeting potential customers in China.

TDC was founded by former Northumbria University Commercial Director, Tony Hackney, who has extensive experience of exporting and has intimate knowledge of working with industry in China.

Tony said: “Having even the most basic knowledge of a language makes a real difference when first entering a new international market.

“This is exactly the case with China where, from my experience, business contacts respond far more warmly if you have a grasp of the language and, equally important, the country’s cultural etiquette.”

Caroline Lofthouse, business development manager at NOF, added: “Understanding the language and culture of international markets can be key to securing new export contracts.”

To book a place on the course, contact Tony Hackney at TDC on 0191 536 2295 or email anthony.hackney@sky.com

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Martin Walker .