Bristol tech business founders and investors are being invited to take part in a second West of England-focussed trade mission to Hong Kong following the success of the inaugural visit last year.
Staged by Tech West England Advocates, the not-for-profit tech community for the region, last year’s mission helped participants develop links with tech start-ups and scale-ups based in Hong Kong as well as opening up potential collaborations and partnerships.
This year’s mission, titled Your Gateway to Asia Pacific, takes place between 21-25 October, and is now open for applications.
It is aimed at businesses with export-ready technologies in a range of tech sub-sectors spanning cleantech, healthtech, fintech, AI and robotics, as well investors or venture capital providers.
The goal is to foster collaboration, build relationships and establish connections that will further the tech ecosystems of both the West of England and Hong Kong in the long term.
Over recent years Hong Kong has significantly stepped up support for its scientific research and technology sectors by developing infrastructure, promoting research and development, nurturing talent, promoting re-industrialisation and enhancing financial support to enterprises.
Its tech start-ups and scale-ups are also supported by a strong network of incubators and accelerators. 
During the mission the tech founders will visit a number of science parks with accelerators and incubators, meet counterpart Hong Kong founders and investors, and take part in a reverse pitch investor event.
The mission is being organised by Bristol-based leadership and sales training company Hewlett Rand with tech recruitment agency Sanderson-iKAS – also based in Bristol - global accountancy group KPMG, Hong Kong premium coworking space provider Eaton Club and London-based information marketplace Pitchflix as key partners.
Other partners include InvestHK, Hong Kong Science & Technology Park, Cyberport, HKTDC, The Hong Kong British Chamber of Commerce, Department for Business & Trade, British Consulate, techUK, Institute of Directors and Institute of Export.
Tech West England Advocates founder and mission organiser Richard Lowe said: “Hong Kong is an amazing place to do business and has such a vibrant tech ecosystem.
“Last year’s mission was a huge success, so we’re incredibly excited to return to the region in the autumn to further build on the relationships and networks that were established on our first trip.
“I would encourage any business that is considering expansion in Asia-Pacific to get in touch.”
One firm that took part in last year’s mission was Portishead-based automated wire harness manufacturer Q5D.
Its CEO Stephen Bennington said: “The packed schedule included visits to the impressive Hong Kong Science and Technology Park and Cyberport as well as receptions at the consulate and various co-working spaces.
“Despite the tight schedule, space was left for us to arrange one-to-one business meetings and there was also an opportunity for us to meet with potential investors through a reverse pitching event.”
Founder of Tech London Advocates and Global Tech Advocates Russ Shaw CBE said it was great to see the Tech West England Advocates group building on the momentum of the first iteration of the trade mission, and creating new opportunities for UK companies to engage with the Asia Pacific region.
“The Hong Kong business environment is ripe with opportunities to build long-lasting relationships that will benefit both tech ecosystems, and I greatly look forward to attending again this year,” he added.
For further information or to register for the mission, visit Tech West England Advocates | UK Tech Mission to Hong Kong – ‘Your Gateway to Asia Pacific’
