Exploring digital routes to market

Technology is making it increasingly easy for British and European businesses of all sizes to trade overseas.

Accounting for over 50% of online global retail sales, China’s exciting and dynamic consumer market offers enormous potential for Northern European businesses. China is leading the way in retail innovation, with brands creating richer online experiences to drive customer engagement and sales. And while the market’s scale and distance can make trading in China feel like a daunting prospect, the opportunity is easier than many realise – and too big to ignore.

Recent years have also seen a dramatic shift to digital for B2B sales, with the global B2B ecommerce market valued at US$14.9 trillion by the end of 2020 – more than five times the size of the B2C market. Establishing an online presence is critical for B2B suppliers to remain competitive, with McKinsey 2021 research finding ecommerce to be the single most effective B2B sales channel. But how can SME suppliers more easily and cost effectively leverage digital platforms to reach new buyers in countries around the world, from the US to India?

Join us for the full-day event which will include opportunities to:

• Listen to Alibaba leaders and industry experts discuss the latest trends and digital innovations from China, and hear from Northern European brands who are succeeding in this fast moving consumer market.
• Explore the changing landscape of global B2B sales – including the growing shift online – and hear from European businesses who are reaching new buyers around the world through Alibaba.com.
• Discover how the latest cloud technologies are supporting businesses of all sizes to achieve better performance from their marketing in China and across Asia.
• Choose from a selection of practical workshops targeted to your business needs, led by Alibaba business units.
• Meet 1:1 with Alibaba business development teams (through our virtual expo stands) to discuss routes to market.

Agenda

Welcome to Gateway to Growth: Intro to Alibaba and the potential for Northern European brands when it comes to tech and trade, in conversation with Alibaba’s General Manager of UK, Benelux and Nordics, Roland Palmer.

Leadership & Opportunity in Extraordinary Times: We’ll deep dive into the opportunities for brands across different markets, featuring Ian McGarrigle of World Retail Congress and Alibaba Group President J. Michael Evans.

Understanding the China Opportunity: We’ll bring together industry experts to help demystify the China market, sharing Chinese consumer insights and what this all means for British and European brands. We’ll also hear first-hand experiences and learnings from three brands at varying stages of their China journey.

The Changing Nature of Global B2B Sales: The dynamics of B2B sales have changed dramatically, with a growing reliance on ecommerce as a critical channel. Hear from industry experts on the latest B2B trends, and listen to European B2B suppliers discuss the role that marketplaces play in helping them reach new customers around the world.

Digital Innovation: Learnings from China: Join us as we delve into some of the latest technologies driving richer integrated brand experiences in China, from AR applications in tourism and retail, to use of NFTs and other technology advances in Tmall’s Luxury Pavilion. Hear how cloud technologies are further helping businesses drive innovation and growth in new markets.  

Workshops: Choose between practical workshops led by Tmall Global, Alibaba.com, Alibaba Cloud, Alibaba’s Global IP Enforcement team and China-Britain Business Council to explore routes to market, and how Alibaba can support your ambitions for international trade.

Speakers will include:

• J. Michael Evans, President, Alibaba Group 
• Chris Tung, Chief Marketing Officer, Alibaba Group
• Ian McGarrigle, Founder and Chairman, World Retail Congress
• Eva Alexandridis, CEO, 111SKIN
• Carmen Chiu, Regional Managing Director - Asia Pacific, Fortnum & Mason
• Ntola Obazee, Trading Director, Emma Bridgewater
• Alex Xu, Global VP Customer Facing Digital Products, BP
• Mark Tanner, Managing Director, China Skinny
• David Roth, CEO, The Store - WPP, and Chairman, BAV Group
• Roland Palmer, General Manager – UK, Benelux and Nordics, Alibaba Group
• Raymond Ma, General Manager, Alibaba Cloud EU and A/NZ
• Ada XU, EMEA Regional Director - Fliggy,  Alibaba Group