Chinese investors eye Stoke-on-Trent’s technology sector

Business leaders from China have been on a whistle-stop tour of some of North Staffordshire’s most innovative design and manufacturing firms during a trade visit to the UK.

Delegates from major cities such as Chongqing, in the south west of the country, and Dalian, in the north east, took a guided tour of technology businesses around Stoke-on-Trent and participated in a conference at Lucideon’s headquarters in the city.

The advanced material research and manufacturing firm, formerly known as Ceram Ltd, is leading the way in the development of low-carbon, energy-efficient manufacturing techniques for the ceramics and construction industries, among others.

Lucideon chief executive Tony Kinsella welcomed the delegates and said that the visit was “a big moment for the company, and also for the city” in terms of showcasing what Stoke-on-Trent has to offer international markets.

He also said that adopting a more outward-looking approach to securing inward investment from abroad would “raise the profile of the city and attract a lot of global investment”.