Reliable research is essential to decision-making in business when considering a new export market or overseas investment. Good research means cost savings, improved efficiency from the start of a project and a structured impact on the new market.

CBBC Research Services
The China-Britain Business Council offers an in-house research service for China that is tailored to the needs of each company. Whatever your needs or concerns, CBBC should be able to design a research plan to meet your requirements.

Research projects are carried out using a combination of desk research, telephone or face-to-face interviews and field research.

CBBC has conducted research projects in a wide range of sectors, including both product and service industries, and has processed a diverse variety of enquiries. Recent projects have included the following:

• Survey of potentially suitable locations for manufacturing including cost comparison of different development zones

• Industry research to test the potential of goods and services in the market

• In-depth reports on specific market sectors including market characteristics, trends, key companies and organisations, competitors, distribution structure and regulations

• Research on potential users/customers and identification of distribution partners for a wide range of products

• Research on the regulatory environment and procedures for approval involved in doing business in China including best routes for market entry and structure

• Study of the competitive environment including profiles of potential competitors in the market

CBBC research is coordinated through the London office and carried out by a skilled, multi-lingual team of staff in China all of whom are graduates with several years of business experience. With offices in 9 of China's major cities, our trained researchers have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the local business cultures in the various regions. CBBC research allows you to tap into CBBC's broad network of contacts in all industries built up over many years of assisting with a wide variety of bilateral trade between the UK and China.

Applying for CBBC research
To receive a free quote, contact the research manager in our London office or call in for a one-to-one meeting to talk through your requirements. Once a research brief has been agreed, we will provide you with a proposal containing our quote and details relating to the scope of the research. All requests are quoted on an individual basis according to the time it will take to carry out the research and incorporating any travel costs and expenses should they apply. Once you accept the proposal, work can start immediately.

Should the research require us to approach Chinese contacts on your behalf, we would usually recommend that you provide a company introductions that includes details of your company background and purpose in China to ensure that you are correctly represented in the market from the beginning and that our researchers have a good understanding of your company and business objectives.

Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS)
The China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) is the UK government’s chosen partner to deliver China business development services, and works closely with UK Trade & Investment, the British Embassy in Beijing and the British Consulate-Generals in Shanghai, Chongqing and Guangzhou. CBBC has presence in eleven cities across China, so our teams are well placed to help you in developing your business in China.

CBBC deliver the UKTI research service, called Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS). This is a government-sponsored scheme designed for UK businesses to guide you through the process of breaking into the Chinese market, providing you with the key market information that will allow you to successfully develop your business in China. OMIS projects are commissioned pieces of tailored work, covering any form of industry research, potential partner identification, potential market entry strategies, meetings packages, in-market support, product launch events, seminars and receptions.

To find out more about Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS), please click here.

What does Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS) cost?
The cost is greatly dependant on your specific brief and the product/service involved; the price will be quoted on the number of hours required to complete your project. There are five pricing levels available, up to £2000. China is a multi-market, with four sub-regions defined as Northern, Eastern, South and SW China. Should you require a combination of regions to be included in your project focus, then the cost will be as a multiple of the service level quoted.

Applying for an Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS)
To discuss your specific brief and options, please contact Carina Smith (Relationship Manager) on carina.smith@cbbc.org or on 020 7802 2015. You can also commission your OMIS through your local International Trade Team www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk