On August 21, 2019, CENTI Group led a delegation from Changsha Bureau of Science and Technology to visit techUK.
The members of the Changsha delegation are: Mr. Song Xinhe, Deputy Director-General of Changsha Bureau of Science and Technology, Mr. Tu Keping, Chairman of the Education, Science, Culture and Health Committee of the Changsha Municipal People's Congress, Mrs. Li Weiwei, Deputy Director-General of Changsha Bureau of Finance, Mr. Yan Yongchi, Principal Staff Member of Changsha Bureau of Science and Technology, Mrs. Wu Weilin, Principal Staff Member of Changsha Bureau of Science and Technology and Mr. Chen Xiaosong, General Manager of Hunan Investment Group Co., LTD..
The Head of International Trade at techUK, Mr. Simon Spier, led the meeting in the company's London headquarters. He has long been working with governments and businesses around the world to support the international development of technology companies from the government's perspective, and to strengthen the connection between the UK's booming technology industry and the international market. During the meeting, He introduced the history of techUK and its ongoing programmes that techUK is pursuing on behalf of the tech sector. He said techUK is a company that is committed to making the UK the best place for tech to thrive and helping its members and the tech sector grow by helping develop markets, networks and reduce business costs and risks.
After hearing Mr. Simon Spier’s introduction, the Changsha delegation highly recognised TechUK's contribution to technology enterprises and industry. The delegation also said the purpose of its Europe tour was to understand and study the European technology market and seek cooperation in technology projects and talents. In recent years, Changsha has been striving for building a national centre of the scientific and technological city. As of April this year, there are 1,594 effective high-tech enterprises in Changsha. This year, Changsha will focus on cultivating small and medium-sized technology-based enterprises, developing high-tech industries, and promoting the transformation and upgrading of the economy. Changsha Bureau of Science and Technology is responsible for the macro-management and overall coordination of municipal scientific and technological progress.
The Changsha delegation showed great interest in several industries techUK focused on, such as smart city and Internet security. Both sides were satisfied with the visit and friendly discussions and were looking forward to possible cooperation in the near future.
At the end of the meeting, Mrs. Ariel Zhao, Partner & Deputy Head of CENTI UK, thanked techUK for hosting the visit and said techUK has been a long-term partner of CENTI and has collaborated with CENTI on many events. This summer, techUK has been a supporting sponsor of Xiamen Entrepreneur Star Challenge organised by CENTI. The CEO of techUK, Julian David, is also a member of CENTI’s advisory board that provides consulting services for the company.
CENTI Group is a cross-border platform connecting European technology start-ups and SMEs with the Chinese market. We work with investors, governments and tech enthusiasts around the world to help companies with their fundraising, market expansion, property management (innovation spaces, incubators). Through our core services, we have created one of the largest eco-system/networks between Europe and China (and greater Asia) that is now facilitating the transfer of technology, ideas, and talent between the continents. This year, we have successfully held a number of start-up challenges and more to come this year. We will also be co-hosting Global Tech Advocates Shanghai Summit this October with Global Tech Advocates.