A statistic that I believe might surprise a few people is the fact that direct exports from the UK to China have grown by around 12 per cent last year.

And that number is set to continue rising. For many, the emergence of China as an economy was seen as a one-way thing - the UK and other western nations would use it as a cheap source for manufacturing and, basically, nothing else.

That has simply not been the case. On our most recent trade visit to Shandong Province there was as much activity with West Midlands firms looking to export goods, services and expertise as there was for companies looking to source products.

And the type of exports range from components and luxury goods to the provision of training and consultancy services. The Chinese certainly have respect and admiration for British products and services and feel they can gain just as much from us as we can from them.

As I said previously, there was very strong progress made and certainly several firms from this region are looking to tie up deals in the not too distant future.

That is why I have organised for another trade mission to China before the end of November. A major automotive show is taking place from November 29 to December 1, so I am looking to kill two birds with one stone and get several West Midlands firms out there before that show.

The last visit was so positive that we want to build on that straightaway before heading off for the China International Auto Parts Exhibition in Beijing.

We have organised, in association with the SMMT, a British Pavilion at the show which will, quite literally, be a showcase for the world's automotive industry.

That will cap a very busy year for the China trade team because we are also hosting an event this month at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber which should enable local companies to tap into Hong Kong. And plans are now already afoot for next year's activity and a visit to China dedicated solely to sourcing is on the cards.

We have identified three centres - Shandong, Hong Kong and Beijing- and will be visiting all three with support of the local trade associations and officials in those areas.

There are obvious checks and balances required when exporting goods to protect intellectual property, but the checks and balances needed when sourcing are, in my opinion, just as important. That, ultimately, will be one of the major reasons for next year's visit and if any companies do want to join us on that trip they can get in touch now.

But one point I will always make to businesses is that China will not always be the answer.

There could not be a greater advocate for trading with China than me, but it might be that you can find what you are looking for closer to home - possibly still in the UK.

The best thing to do is to speak to someone such as your local chamber and then go out and see your potential sup-pliers yourself as part of one of our missions.

* Mark Eaton is part of the international trade team at Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce