Chinese products were very much in evidence at this year's Spring Fair at the NEC.
Nearly 100 companies, from ceramics and giftware makers to producers of kitchen utensils, stationery, shoes and luggage featured in the Brands of China Showcase.
Among 85 exhibitors was Zhejiang Libahuang Industry and Trade Group, which showed off its electric bicycles. The company, based 300km south of Shanghai, employs 2,000 making 1.5 million bikes per year.
It has sold through Wallmart and Argos, and numbers Russia, Canada, Japan and Australia among export markets.
Chunlei Xie, design manager, said: "Last year we sold 500 bikes in the UK, but would like to increase that. We have got a lot of customers who are interested and want details.
"Our bikes are convenient, and the electrical power helps people pedal uphill. They are very light and only weigh 25kg with a fully charged battery which can go for 35km.
"Birmingham is a very big and beautiful city. Hopefully we can find a potential market."
Mr Xie said he thought the bikes, which retail for $300 to $400, could prove popular because of their green credentials.
Another firm taking part was Wuxi Rainman Housewares, based in Jiangsu Province, 200km west of Shanghai. The company, with 100 workers, makes tempered glass and kitchenware including chopping boards, cheese-boards and glass plates.
Rainman makes around 500,000 plates per year, and currently exports two thirds of its products around the world.
Crystal Gu, of the company, said: "We have several customers already in the UK, but we would like to show them more of our products as well as attracting some new customers.
"Some have already asked us to send some examples of our work to them."
Another firm present was Yingkou Goldenbridge Arts & Crafts, which is located in northern China.
The firm was showing off a range of Christmas decorations including holly wreathes, as well as artificial flowers and other decorations.
General manager Luan Ming Kun said: "We knew of the Spring Fair in China, but we have never been here before.
"It is important to come to Britain to meet new customers, but also to find out what the latest trends are, what are the latest stylings, colours.
"Our company is called Goldenbridge, but we need to build a bridge to the customer."
