Bristol-based training and digital learning consultancy Hewlett Rand has secured a contract with the Hong Kong Institute of Bankers (HKIB) in a move it hopes will be a stepping stone to more deals in the region.
The consultancy has developed a new digital learning strategy for the organisation, which it is beginning to roll out to its corporate and personal members.
HKIB is responsible for the professional qualification of bankers within the region. Hewlett Rand has developed a digital learning strategy to support its members’ professional development as well as expand their online capability to a global banking community.
The first stage of the deal was to help it source and launch its e-learning portal with more than 500 financial services courses. A second phase is to evolve HKIB’s digital learning offering with production capabilities to distribute a richer variety on media content.
Hewlett Rand director of training and digital learning, Richard Lowe, said the firm’s success should encourage others to look at exporting.
“This contract provides a great introduction to the financial services market in Hong Kong and, as we now have a local representative, we are well placed to see what other training and digital learning opportunities we can support,” he said.
Hewlett Rand’s journey to export was boosted by the support offered by Department for International Trade (DIT) – formerly UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) – and its Exporting is Great campaign, a government initiative to consolidate the export support available to businesses.
Richard added: “Working with DIT and taking part in a number of its trade missions over the last few years helped us gain a better understanding of the China market. They have been vital allies in our effort to gain market entry, providing valuable information and support here and in Hong Kong.”
But he said starting to think on an international scale required commitment and a significant investment of time, energy and resource.
“It’s really worth taking the time to identify not only the best market for your business but also which particular skills and services will work best for export.
“I took part in several missions to mainland China and Hong Kong and carried out extensive research before concluding Hong Kong was the best place to focus our efforts. It then took time to make the right contacts and build relationships before we finally secured our first contract.”
Hewlett Rand has also benefited from membership of the Bristol and West of England China Bureau, which was set up in 1998 to help businesses in the region foster closer relationships with China.
Richard added: The Bureau brings together all those interested in making links with China providing an opportunity to network with other local exporters and share knowledge, experience and contacts.
“It has built up extremely strong links with key regions in China, particularly Guangdong Province, which is helping to stimulate trade flows between the UK and China.”
Hewlett Rand continues to focus on developing its UK and export opportunities supporting businesses with training and digital learning needs to develop multi-site organisations and has just launched its bespoke video training production service.
DIT education and training adviser Heidi Cheung said: “We are delighted to see Hewlett Rand’s hard work come to fruition. Their commitment to their export strategy is extremely impressive with regularly travel between UK and Hong Kong to build trusted client relationships which is a vital ingredient to their success so far.
“We’re looking forward to continuing to work with Richard and his team as he starts the next stage of their export journey.”
Pictured: Richard Lowe of Hewlett Rand with DIT’s Heidi Cheung
