Helping UK companies to move into the internet age

SpicyTuna web design and web consultancy have been helping UK companies to move into the internet age, since 1999. Originally set up to help fund the director, Gary Rice, through university, Gary quickly found a number of clients who required an online presence and soon built up a portfolio of websites.

 

Gary said, "Since 1999 web design has become much more technical and rich with the increase in broad band speeds and database fed websites".

 

Over this period the internet bubble has burst, flash websites have gone, Microsoft's Silver light struggled to take off and we have moved from the ASP Classic programming language to ASP.NET 4.

Published by Go Frontiers (UK & China)

Working in China

Benefits of working and doing business in China
China is the largest economies in the world and still growing. This is the reason many multi-national companies are relocating to China and other companies who are already located in other parts of Asia are moving their headquarters to China.

The market in China is still very buoyant with new sectors open up, such as banking/financial services and accounting/legal. The demand for foreign talent will continue, particularly if they have the right business/language skills such as Chinese translation, Chinese Interpreters and understand Chinese business culture.

Economy and Job Market

What is the current local job market situation? China rapid rise and booming economy has made it into one of the most candidate short markets in Asia, facing with some of the highest wage inflation and employee turnover rates in Asia. The Chinese market is fairly buoyant with many companies still moving to China and setting up offices.

Published by: Gary Rice, Go Frontiers (UK & China)

Chinese Tea Culture

Chinese tea culture refers to the method of tea preparation; the equipment used and its part played in Chinese culture not only from a health point of view but also as a way to show a persons respect and honour.

The tea ceremony (chayi, 茶藝) also known as the 'Art of Tea' is the method used to first clean the tea and warm the cups. Then the tea is poured into small cups keeping the tea hot. Tea should always be pored hot.

To show your respect to a Chinese person socially and in business, refill their cup when the tea level gets to the half way point. This is a really good way to create a relationship with this person when doing business in china.

The tea culture plays a role in Chinese business culture in China and differs greatly from that of Europe, Japan and Britain. In addition to being a drink, Chinese tea is also used in traditional Chinese medicine and in Chinese cuisine.

In China you can regularly see the Chinese carrying glass jar and flasks of Chinese tea around and if you look closely at universities in the UK you will also see Chinese students and Chinese tourists carrying jars and flasks of Chinese tea.

Published by: Gary Rice, Go Frontiers (UK & China)

Chinese tourism in the UK made easier

Finally, George Osborne understands the need to make it easier for Chinese tourists to visit the UK. Chinese tourism in the UK is set to increase now that the visa process has been made easier.

 

Before the changes were made a Chinese tourist would need to buy two separate visas, one for Europe and one for the UK. It's not only the extra cost that puts the Chinese off but the need to open a recognised bank account and have the right amount for the bond.

 

In my friends case she needed two bank accounts and two bonds which took weeks to organise. After all the hassle she said, "Never again. If Britain doesn't make it easier for them to visit then she will holiday else where".

Published by: Gary Rice, Go Frontiers (UK & China)

Confucianism the key element to Chinese business culture

From 500 BC to the modern age Confucianism still plays a key role in Chinese business culture and China's character and behaviour to create harmony in society.

President Xi Jinping, the new Chinese President, and his government are now promoting the importance of Confucianism and its positive impact on Chinese society focusing not only on social but business values too in order to promote harmony in society and the working environment.

Confucianism is engrained in China's culture plays its role in social/work ethics, family and relationships. The theory of Confucianism is discussed regularly during dinner, especially between business people.

Learning some Confucianism will give you something to talk about at the dinner table and will help you to build relationships with your Chinese counterparts and agents when doing business in China.

Published by: Gary Rice, Go Frontiers (UK & China)

Exporting to China - the new SME buzz words in the Midlands

Exporting to China are the new buzz words being used by the SME's in the Midlands area. Two of the top destinations are India and China which highlights the issue of culture and doing business their way. Providing you want to be successful that is.

The common issue over looked until it is too late is culture. Culture in many countries is a big deal especially if you are doing business in China were you will need to grasp an understanding of the Chinese business culture and Chinese social culture.

Business in China is done very differently as the Chinese prefer to build trust before they do business. So it is important to spend the time and build a good relationship that will last.

To do this you need to know how to show your respect and portray your class. Developing your Face and others is equally important when building Chinese relationships.

Published by: Gary Rice, Go Frontiers (UK & China)

China: Dinner table etiquette whilst dinning out on business

Dinner table etiquette in China plays a special part in their social culture and family as a way to show and demonstrate your status and respect, Face and strength of your relationships.

These areas also play a key part in Chinese business culture which can mean the difference between you wining or losing a business deal.

In China dinning out has to be done correctly and with style. As a westerner you are expected to have good manors especially if you are competing for business.

Disappoint them and you will devalue your brand. Look at it as a game with a set of rules to abide by and you will win business.

Published by: Gary Rice, Go Frontiers (UK & China)
 

Chinese business models work well in Chinese business culture compared to Western business models

Six months ago I spoke with the owner of a medium sized Chinese company about modernising her company from the traditional Chinese business model to using a business model from the west.

Interestingly, the lady owner explained that this is exactly what they had done a few years ago and then laughed. She explained that she wanted to increase performance and profits and that the best way forward would be a western business model.

However, applying this with the Chinese business culture was very different. She got the whole company involved in the process but the culture wouldn't mix with the new business model.

In the end the owner and her work force were unhappy, stressed out and decided to go back to their original Chinese business model. The owner said that she was making money, the work force was happy and that she shouldn't have got greedy in the first place.

Even though this was a medium sized company we hear this problem a lot from the larger British companies who have opened a business in China or are dealing with a Chinese company.

Many blame the language barrier and have to use  to try and drive their message and orders forward but when looking closer it is in fact a cultural issue.

Culture is how people are brought up, educated and how they do things. In that country it works so why change it or struggle to try and change it. When you are doing business in a different country, be it France or China you have to do the business culture their way for it to work effectively.

Published by: Gary Rice, Go Frontiers (UK & China)

Mystery Guest Programs using Chinese and British People

Before hiring a company to run your mystery guestprogram its worth concidering who your consumers are and what they spend.

If you understand the Chinese business culture and social habits you will discover that most Chinese families save 40% of their income.

China is a class society with the need to show their status by purchasing products luxury branded items and want to experience the high end shopping experience.

Our expertise iis n retail, fine dining, hotel, hospitality and tourism inc Chinese tourism in the UK and the Hospitality Services for the Wealthy Chinese visiting the UK (Chinese High Net Worth Individuls (HNWI))

We can your assess your business and check for the level of service the Chinese tourists expect.

For more information contact us on +44 (0)7809 154 467 or visit our website Go Frontiers (UK & China)

In China: How to Meet and Greet

In China: How to Meeting and Greeting

When you are doing business in China it is important to meet people correctly because first impressions count.

Getting it wrong you will loose Face instantly.

Knowing the proper Chinese customs and Chinese business culture is important.

4 Tips for Meeting Chinese People:

1. Learn a few phrases in Mandarin. This will show your respect and interested in learning their culture and will help break the ice.
   
2. Shake hands on the first occasion it is best to use one hand and bow. When your relationship has become stronger use both hands to show your relationship is warm. You must shake hands with every one even if it is a large delegation.
   
3. When you present your business card to the people you are meeting using two hands. The business card must be bilingual (English on one side and Mandarin on the other).Present the card Mandarin side up facing the person you are greeting and bow. You should present the side of your card, facing up in the person’s language.
   
4. When you receive a business card take a moment to study both sides and show your respect and interest in that person. Place the card in a card holder but don't put it in your back pockets.

Go Frontiers (UK & China) does Chinese translation services so we used them to translate our business cards and leaflets in to Chinese Mandarin.

Posted by Gary Rice, Go Frontiers (UK & China)

  

 

China Chatter : German hotel tells fellow customers to arive meals 60 minutes before the Chinese tourists arrive

Article published in China tells the story of a Chinese tour group travelling across Europe and their visit to Germany.

The tour group arrived at reception and one of the Chinese guests who spoke good German noticed a German sign saying, "Please attend all meals 60 minutes earlier before the Chinese arrive, because they are too noisy and they will eat all of the food".

This is similar to our (Go Fontiers) experiences and have seen this type of behaviour before from the Chinese tour groups first hand in China and can understand the German hotel trying to keep two sets of customers happy.

But when this happens in your hotel. What are you going to do?

Be ready and get prepared by attending our Chinese Tourism in the UK course

 

Posted by: Gary Rice, Chinese Business Culture Expert,
Director of Go Frontiers (UK and China) based in Derbyshire, UK.

#chineseculture #chinesetourism #chinesetourismintheuk #chinesetourist #foodanddrink #hotel #peakdistrict #uktourism,

 

The Peak District - What are the Chinese talking about!!!

Well it looks like the Peak District may be getting some Chinese tourists after all. This morning Gary Rice the director of Go Frontiers had a tea and catch up with his Chinese business partner and its apparent that the Chinese are starting to talk about the Peak District.

 

Two recent news articles found on WeChat and in a Chinese newspaper discussed the areas in Peak District and the places to visit that reflect the things the Chinese like and can compare with their own history and culture.

 

It's good when one of business partner is Chinese and speaks fluent English and Mandarin; otherwise the articles would have been missed.

 

The question now is - Are you Ready for Chinese Tourism in your Area?

Our one day work shop will provide you with the right knowledge to help you tap in to the Chinese tourism market in your area. Chinese tourism in the UK is increasing due to China's middle class and their desire to travel to the UK.

 

The Chinese traditionally save 40% of their income and figures show that on average they spend £663 per transaction.

 

Through understanding the Chinese character, companies can focus on expanding in the Chinese tourist market and provide the service they expect.

 

The course will provide you with the right knowledge to maximise your competitive advantage through a combination of case studies and in-depth information in:-

• Characteristic's of the Chinese people
• Chinese Consumer Behaviour
• Hotel Accommodation for the Chinese
• Food & Drink
• Chinese Tour Groups: On the Move
• Retail and Restaurants
• Chinese Culture: Presenting & Receiving Things
• Managing the Chinese and protecting the environment

Go Frontiers has been working in China's hospitality and tourism industry since 2006.

All course are ran onsite giving attendees easier access to the course. To book your business on the course, email Gary Rice at garyrice@gofrontiers.co.uk or call 07809 154 467.

 

More information can be found at http://www.gofrontiers.co.uk/Chinese-Tourism-in-the-UK.php

Posted by: Gary Rice, Chinese Business Culture Expert,
Director of Go Frontiers (UK and China) based in Derbyshire, UK.
 

#sharemywork #uktourism   #chinesetourism   #chinesetourismintheuk #peakdistrict

 

 

 

Beijing bans cheese imports from Britain

Food inspectors from China were dissatisfied with standards at a UK dairy during their visit.

In China most things are polluted and poisoned including the air, water and food. Recently in 2008, their was the milk scandal (melamine chemical poisoning) were six babies died and 300,000 left sick but largely unknown to the rest of the world was the poisoned and sick pets (dogs and cats) suffering with gallstone problems.

From these incidences China has new food safety laws which came into force on 1^st May. The UK prides its self with its high standards of food quality but if China has higher standards then dairy companies have to meet these standards if they want to continue to export to China.

Britain currently exports 11.5 tonnes of cheese to China each year. All though the cheese market in China is relatively small their has been a sharp increase in demand for this year. Export figures for January and February alone are already valued at £93,003 Pounds.

Posted by: Gary Rice, Chinese Business Culture Expert,
Director of Go Frontiers (UK and China) based in Derbyshire, UK.