SW's most innovative businesses represent UK on world stage in Hong Kong

Two South West businesses will be commended for their innovation and expertise in Hong Kong this week as partners of the GREAT Festival of Innovation.

Taking place 21-24 March 2018, the festival has been organised by the Department for International Trade (DIT) as an opportunity for British businesses to meet fellow business leaders from across Asia and develop future trading and investment opportunities.

The show also marks the inaugural GREAT Innovation in Action Awards to find the most innovative business partnerships between UK and Asia-Pacific companies.

Bristol-based OC Robotics and the Met Office, which is headquartered in Exeter, are among 12 trade projects from across the country which demonstrate how new ideas can transform the way we work, live, play or learn, and are in the running for an award. OC Robotics is shortlisted for its work with Dragages Hong Kong to construct subterranean roads between the Hong Kong mainland and airport, while the Met Office is nominated for its academic partnership with China Meteorological Administration to mitigate weather disasters.

The projects have been delivered in partnership with some of Asia-Pacific’s biggest businesses in entertainment, infrastructure and manufacturing and range from improving patient care, cleaning city air and designing the future of rail travel.

Paul Shand, Regional Director for DIT in the South West, said: “There is a huge demand for British innovation overseas, particularly in East Asia. It’s encouraging that national and regional businesses alike are forging strong relationships to provide cutting-edge technology, products and services. And it’s great to see such strong South West businesses attending the event to showcase the great work they’ve been doing.

“Collaborating with overseas partners can help maximise competitiveness as well as increase exports. While the thought of approaching such large markets like Hong Kong and China can be daunting for some, businesses shouldn’t feel that they have to go it alone. We have more than 25 international trade advisers in the South West who are on hand to help.”

The GREAT Festival of Innovation has been established to showcase the UK’s creativity and leadership across a host of industry and education sectors, the festival focuses on how innovation, technology and creativity will change the way we work, live, learn and play in the years to come.

Top UK figures speaking at the Festival include WPP chief executive Sir Martin Sorrell, Lastminute.com co-founder Brent Hoberman, former GCHQ director Robert Hannigan, GQ editor Dylan Jones, Blippar CEO Ambarish Mitra, chef Tom Kerridge and many more.

For more information, please visit great.gov.uk/innovation or follow the hashtag #GREATinnovation

The GREAT Innovation in Action Awards are open to the public vote. The full list of nominees and votes for the most innovative collaborations can be cast here www.greatinnovationawards.com Winners will be announced on Wednesday 28th March.