Duke of Cambridge to visit Shanghai

The Duke of Cambridge will travel to Shanghai in March 2015 to open the GREAT Festival of Creativity, which is supporting British businesses looking to secure opportunities and growth in China.

The festival will take place from 2 – 4 March 2015 and will demonstrate the best of British creativity and the role it plays in creating competitive advantage in today's world.

More than 500 world leading British companies in innovation, technology, design, film, education, healthcare, and luxury goods will use the Festival to reach the Chinese and global business audience to show how British creativity can help their businesses innovate and grow.

As well as building business leads, delegates will have the chance to attend talks and seminars throughout the three days, uncovering insights about the future and how global businesses can use creativity to address the challenges together.

The GREAT Festival of Creativity is part of the UK Government's GREAT Britain campaign which aims to generate jobs and growth by promoting Britain as a world-class destination for trade, tourism, investment and education.

It is being delivered in partnership with private sector organisations including HSBC, BBC Worldwide, Jaguar Landrover, PwC, IHG, British Airways and De Montfort University.

Kelly Hoppen MBE, Jo Malone MBE and Sir John Sorrell, have already been confirmed as speakers at the event.

Kelly Hoppen MBE said:"Encouraging creativity and entrepreneurship is key to business success, and the GREAT Festival in Shanghai is an excellent platform in which to do this. I am very excited about the opportunities this event will offer businesses large and small and I am very proud to support it."

Jo Malone MBE said: "It's an exciting time for the creative industries in the UK and the Festival provides a unique and inspiring environment in which to showcase a wealth of home grown talent. I am thrilled to be flying the flag for a second time and look forward to sharing my passion for creativity, business and entrepreneurship in Shanghai."

Tim Davie, CEO BBC Worldwide and Director, Global said: "BBC Worldwide plays a key role in showcasing the UK's creative industries overseas so I'm delighted to be supporting the GREAT Festival of Creativity in Shanghai, which will provide a high profile platform for UK creativity and build business growth between the UK and China."

Keith Williams, British Airways' Executive Chairman, is also speaking at the event. He said:"British Airways is proud to be part of this exciting initiative and share its passion for innovation and world-class service.

"China continues to be an important business hub for British Airways and we hope that this unique festival will encourage more British and Chinese companies to flourish and lead in creative industries."

Ian Powell, Chairman and Senior Partner, PwC UK, said:"Creativity and innovation, particularly when it comes to technological and digital developments, are critical for the UK's economic success. Our nation's track record is widely recognised across a range of industries and it is hugely important to showcase our expertise if we are to maintain our competitive edge. We're very proud to back the Great Festival of Creativity in Shanghai and to support UK business the world over."

Professor Dominic Shellard, Vice-Chancellor of De Montfort University Leicester will speak on preparing graduates for work in a global environment. He said:

"The challenge for those in Higher Education is to equip students with skills that meet the needs of global employers in a demanding and rapidly-evolving market. De Montfort University is responding to this with one of the UK's most ambitious programmes to ensure graduates get the international experience they need - #DMUglobal."

Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Lord Livingston said: "The Duke of Cambridge is one of the UK's greatest champions. I look forward to welcoming him to Shanghai next March to fly the flag for GREAT British business.

"The GREAT Festival is the perfect forum to promote the benefits of doing business in the UK and with British companies."

Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said:"British companies should seize the chance to make new partnerships in Shanghai. Our innovation and creativity is in demand from Chinese consumers, from Truro grown tea to Sherlock's stories. This festival is our chance to make new connections and boost exports, a key part of the government's long term economic plan".