Representatives of the Rilmac Group of Companies were lucky enough to experience The Big Chinese Takeaway, just days before the Chinese New Year welcomes in the Year of the Rooster!

The event, organised magnificently by The Lincoln College Group, and Streets Chartered Accountants, looked at the opportunities and pitfalls of importing or exporting with China, and served as a celebration of the business, cultural and education links between Lincolnshire and China.  With the major changes taking place in the world it is important for Rilmac to explore are possibilities, and ‘The Big Chinese Takeaway’ was no exception.

As well as networking opportunities, to catch up with existing contacts, or to forge new ones, and a wonderful Chinese feast, there were, of course, some interesting and useful talks throughout the evening.  These included an overview of the links between China and Lincolnshire, with an outline of the support offered by the council, a detailed look at the work by The China Britain Business Council and The Department of International Trade, a view of the financial risks involved, and a range of fascinating success stories.

The range of support available from both The China Britain Business Council, and The Department of International Trade looks to be very useful, and not just in considering trade with China either.  Presentations from Fenner Precision Polymers, Beauty Boulevard, and The Lincoln College Group illustrated how the opportunities for trade do not necessarily have to fit the stereotype.  Something which is well worth knowing.  Of course it is always useful to know how to protect finances during international trading, whether specific to China or generally, so the talk from Nat West was of great interest.

During the presentations a range of unique and interesting Chinese nibbles were available on all the tables, while Chinese soft drinks, beer, and red wine was on offer.  All of which added to the ambience of the event and kept everyone focussed. 

Listing to the real life stories was inspiring, while the advice on offer opened eyes to previously unseen opportunities.  There is a lot of potential and everyone, including the team at Rilmac, could benefit from giving it another look.

On Saturday the Chinese New Year starts (it is more than a one day festival) and with it the Year of the Rooster begins.  Most people are aware that there is a twelve year cycle in the Chinese horoscope, although few realise there is an additional five year cycle based on the Chinese elements of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water.  This means that each year not only has an animal associated with it, but also an element, which increases the cycle to a full 60 years.  Thus, as we enter the Year of the Fire Rooster, we know that the previous Fire Rooster year was 1957, 60 years ago, the year that Rilmac was incorporated.  Let’s hope this is a good omen!