On top of all the challenges facing business at the moment, getting on a plane and going to China might seem like an exercise in indulgence, but it isn’t.
Insider jumped at the opportunity to visit Shanghai and report on the opportunities for businesses in the world’s fastest-growing economy (p18 of the North West Business Insider July issue).
Liverpool has chosen to exhibit in China at the World Expo in 2010. In itself that is a totem, a presence at an international event – the business Olympiad – where connections can be made and a vision shared.
What it represents is more significant. For Europe to step out of the recession and achieve tangible economic growth built on something other than cheap debt, there needs to be a new awakening to the state of the world economy. India is not in recession. China is still growing. These are the hot spots.
At home some small victories have been achieved, but they are but small steps on a much longer and more important journey. Manchester has achieved city region status, but many of you are wondering what it might mean. So are we. At our round table discussion (p39 of the North West Business Insider July issue) there was a split between those who understood the potential and those whose eyes glazed over at the prospect of another quango in the region.
Insider has consistently warned against a creeping complacency in Manchester. So we welcome a recent review of Manchester’s economy by an independent panel, which came up with some home truths that ought to shake businesses and policymakers out of that self-congratulatory slumber.
The Manchester Independent Economic Review concluded Manchester punches below its weight. That for all of its assets like the airport, and despite a good track record in attracting inward investment, the city is too insular and its businesses are not productive enough. Those that export do better.
It’s significant, too, that Crown Paints, whose chairman Graham Hallworth we interviewed (p14 of the North West Business Insider July issue) this month, is gunning for international markets and partnerships.
Our Power 100 survey (p23 of the North West Business Insider July issue) this year rates and ranks the top people in the region. These big hitters have their own visions. But the ones with an eye on the biggest prizes look beyond the North West and look to be world class. Just ask John Whittaker.
Michael Taylor, editor