Companies in Coventry and Warwickshire are being urged to create new opportunities for their business with a market visit to China and Hong Kong next month.

Businesses looking to take part in the trip could also benefit from a grant towards the costs.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce is leading the visit on behalf of the West Midlands region. It will be run from November 28 to December 2 and eligible companies could get up to £750 to help fund the trip.

The Chamber’s Mark Eaton, one of the UK’s foremost experts on China and Hong Kong, said it was an opportunity not to be missed by those businesses wanting to expand into the market and could help companies from the local area.

He said: “Hong Kong is still the best place to start if you want to look to do business in China.

“It is one of the most business friendly environments in the world and remains a major centre for British business.

“The potential for business in Hong Kong alone should not be underestimated – it is the UK’s 12 largest export market – so companies from this region should be looking to crack this dynamic market.

“Then, on top of that, there is the chance to use it as a springboard into China – which we have all seen grow hugely over the past few decades.

“But I have watched first hand how it continues to change and develop and companies have to stay up to speed with that if they want to do business in this rapidly expanding market.

“We have a very special relationship with the Shandong Province - the area of China we will be visiting during this trip – and that will certainly help create opportunities for companies from this region.”

Companies taking part will get a full briefing before the trip and will then take advantage of networking opportunities while they are out there.

Businesses will also get support before, during and after this visit as well as access to market research and assistance.

More information is available from Mark Eaton, at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, on 024 7665 4295, or click here for the website.