B P Collins supports Chamber on green investment programme with Japan

Supporting the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce (TVCC) in developing new connections with Japan, B P Collins LLP sponsor a visit to the UK Green Technology Forum in Osaka this month where companies will share thought leadership in this sector.

Last year, TVCC invited expressions of interest from its members who aspire to do business with Japan’s leading green-tech region.

Five successful applicants were recently selected to receive financial support as guests of Osaka Chamber of Commerce (OCCI) to undertake a three day Trade and Investment Programme on 8–11 February 2016.

The OCCI, METI Kansai and Osaka City will be formally welcoming the UK delegation to the Forum at which corporate partner, David Smellie, will deliver a keynote speech on the Thames Valley energy sector.

David met with OCCI representatives at last year's Japanese Roundtable event, co-hosted by TVCC and UKTI, where he drew parallels between the Thames Valley and Kansai region, noting electronics and energy were established sectors for both.

“I'm excited to be part of this programme, supporting the aspirations of the five UK companies joining the group travelling to Japan and the Chamber as it promotes its recently launched Japan Desk,” said David as he prepared for the trip. 

“Differences between countries can often be perceived as a barrier to businesses but legal teams, like B P Collins, can provide expert counsel to ensure that where companies are looking to invest in the UK, the legal documentation achieves the desired outcomes.” 

David added: “The Thames Valley already has recognisable parallels with Osaka, particularly in the electronics and energy sectors, so this opportunity to visit the region and meet with member companies of OCCI is another positive step towards attracting investment into the UK and uncovering emerging green technology.” 

B P Collins has been supporting the Chamber to help strengthen ties between OCCI and the Thames Valley, culminating in last year's launch of the Chamber's Japan Desk. 

This resource will provide support to new entrants to the Thames Valley and to Osaka; existing Japanese businesses based in the Thames Valley and industry-government-academia collaboration.

Read more about the market visit to Osaka on page 8 of the March edition of the Thames Valley Chamber magazine, Business Voice.