As China looks to the future with its economy and business environment growing, developing and changing, so CBBC recognises the need to ensure that the assistance we offer business is relevant and useful.

CBBC's range of business and consultancy services continues to develop, with an enhanced range of services assisting companies from initial enquiries, through growing their business, to establishing a presence in the market and beyond.

New website
CBBC's website has been re-designed to be more user-friendly with intuitive two-click navigation and a search engine. New features include Stop Press and a Support and Links section, as well as the introduction, over the coming months, of a CBBC Members' directory.

We have expanded our event management team and can nowarrange briefings, workshops, seminars and hospitality events in China for companies wishing to promote themselves and their products.

New locations
For companies wishing to take the first step towards establishing themselves in China, our Launchpad Scheme continues to offer exceptional value in both time and money. For those wanting to take one step further, the Rep Office Set-up Programme guides companies through the complexities of setting up their own office.

CBBC is set to extend its ability to help UK companies in new, but economically vibrant, locations in China. July sees our seventh office in China opening in Nanjing, Jiangsu province - a joint venture project with Essex County Council and the East of England Development Agency (EEDA). We hope to have a presence soon in Hangzhou too… Watch this space!

We are also working to improve CBBC's capacity to deliver our China business services in the UK regions. We want to make it easier for companies to contact and consult us locally in different parts of the country - as they can in Scotland and the North East.

Much of this development is in response to recommendations from the Deputy Prime Minister's China Task Force set up by Tony Blair following his visit to China last year. One of its objectives was to suggest ways in which British business could raise its profile in China and how CBBC could be used to provide more and better help to companies with China business aspirations.

China is looking to the future - CBBC is committed to helping British companies be part of that future.

To contact CBBC call 020 7828 5176, fax: 020 7630 5780 or email: enquiries@cbbc.org

• Messages of support
Tony Blair; Wen Jiabao; Wan Jifei; Zha Peixin
• Introduction
Lord Powell; Peter Nightingale
History
• Spirit of the times
The 48 Group holds a unique place in international trade history, writes Luise Schafer.
• Profile: Jack Perry
• Profile: Sir John Keswick
• Softly, softly
From an idea, to a desk, to a fully fledged trade promotion body, Hilary Footer charts the growth of the Sino-British Trade Council.
• Profile: Jack Taylor
• Mission unaccomplished
Recent policy changes in China may mean that within the next 50 years China will achieve its cherished goal, writes Allan Zhang.
• 1973: UK exhibition
Shop window for the 1970s
• Taking on a business focus
As China has grown, so the work of the CBBC has expanded and diversified, writes Janet Kealey.
• Royal visit, grand events
The two-day seminar ‘Sea Day' and ‘Land Day' in Shanghai in October 1986, coincided with the Queen's historic visit to China, writes Janet Kealey.
• Profile: CCPIT
CBBC's partner in China
• Meeting of minds
Mandi Sturrock explains how the merger of the SBTC and the 48 Group came about.
• The 1995 Mission
Breaking the logjam

Special features
• Visit to the UK: Wen Jiabao
China's premier, Wen Jiabao, was the latest in a long line of VIP visitors from China to
be received by CBBC.
• CBBC's new directions
New initiatives for CBBC's new half-century