Another Sussex company is tapping into China. RKS Laboratories, which carries out product testing from the medical to the aerospace sector, is discussing deals with three major producttesting houses in Hong Kong.

The company, based in Petworth, West Sussex, is hoping to turn a profit by helping Chinese manufacturers meet safety and quality standards which would then allow them to export goods to Europe.

RKS met representatives from some of the biggest manufacturers in China during a five-day trade visit to the Far East with UK Trade & Investment Team South East.

They also received detailed market briefings from trade officials based at the British consulates in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing and from the China-Britain Business Council.

RKS, which was formed in 2003, carries out "intelligent product testing" that not only tests them to the legal standards but provides clients with feedback on durability and marketability.

The firm specialises in passing products to the rigorous CE-accredited safety and quality standards, which allows all imported goods to be sold within the European Economic Area.

This involves testing products for durability in harsh conditions - such as severe weather - to more rudimentary impact and mechanical tests.

Many goods which are made in China currently fail to comply with European Union product safety directives that came into force last October which forbid products to be imported and sold in the EU without a CE-mark.

Tim Robinson, RKS technical director, said: "China has huge opportunities for high-quality product testing.

"Many products imported from there into Europe in the past have been stamped with the CE-mark but do not actually meet the required standards.

"This is no longer good enough and RKS and the firms we are talking to want to change that. Testing is a key part of every product life cycle. Sadly, it is often poorly understood and relegated to a peripheral role in the development, marketing and sales processes.

"Full safety and quality accreditation, like the CE-mark, is intrinsic to manufacturers' reputation.

"The trade visit was a real eye-opener to how the Chinese do business and the opportunities for improved safety and quality standards in manufactured products there.

"We would have floundered completely without UK Trade & Investment's high-quality programme, support and advice."

UK Trade & Investment's trade adviser Chris Lowsley said: "China can seem a daunting prospect for small firms - its sheer size and business potential means companies can only do well if they are thoroughly prepared and know exactly how they are approaching the market.

"China has traditionally been reluctant to do business with small firms but our delegates' success shows that high quality, innovative, niche companies can win outstanding business and widespread interest there."

He said UK Trade & Investment's role was to help UK firms trade internationally. He said: "Our network of experienced trade advisers and staff in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong will ensure companies maximise their chances of winning international business across the Far East."

Last week, Business reported how Etchingham-based non-slip floor polish business Waterbased Group was on the brink of signing a major deal with a Chinese tile manufacturer.

Friday, January 27, 2006