SME Intermediary Associations

Agoria

AGORiA is Belgium's largest employers' organisation and trade association representing more than 1.600 members active in the technology industry in Belgium, more specifically in the following sectors : Aerospace - Automotive - Construction products - Contracting & Maintenance - Electrical engineering - Industrial automation - Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) - Mechatronical engineering - Metals & Materials - Metal processing - Mounting & Cranes - Plastics - Security & Defence.

Anti Copying In Design (ACID)

Anti Copying In Design (ACID) is a trade association for designers and manufacturers with a diverse membership ranging from individuals to multinationals and spanning many industry sectors. The organisation is committed to fighting design theft and working with Parliament for design law reform. ACID's key objectives are protection, deterrence and education, driving towards a safer commercial trading framework, enabling originators to fully exploit and maximise their IP rights.

BenCham

The Benelux Chamber of Commerce in China (BenCham) is a Beijing not-for-profit corporation, independent of any other non-profit, commercial or governmental organisation. The BenCham member base consists of large corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), start-up entrepreneurs, as well as individuals with an active interest in developing their business in China, for which BenCham aims to pool strategic intelligence. BenCham co-operates with the Benelux Embassies and the regional trade organisations through BenCham's three chapters in China (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou) and partnerships in key centres of Benelux-China corporate activity. They also co-ordinate acitivities with other interest groups and chambers of commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg, CCI, local chambers of commerce as well as the other European chambers of commerce located in China.

Britcham

The British Chamber of Commerce in China (BritCham) exists to expand opportunities for UK-China commerce and investment. It provide business intelligence, networking and support services to all member companies, from the biggest multi-nationals right through to fledgling start-ups. Members receive an extensive range of benefits designed to help grow their business, including access to specialist events and seminars, business services, publications, online tools, information, and much more.

CECE

CECE is the recognized organization representing and promoting the European construction equipment and related industries to achieve a fair competitive environment via harmonized standards and regulations. European construction machines represent about 30% of the worldwide production, and the industry behind CECE comprises 1,200 companies from 12 European countries. The CECE industry offers all kind of machines needed in the construction sector and related industries, like road making equipment, concrete equipment, tower cranes, crushing and screening equipment, construction site hoists and of course earthmoving equipment.

Confederación Empresarial de Madrid-CEOE (CEIM)

Confederación Empresarial de Madrid-CEOE (CEIM) CEIM, the Confederation of Employers and Industries of the Madrid Region, is composed of more than 280 business organisations. After 30 years of activity, it is the largest business organisation of the Madrid Region. One of CEIM's main objectives is to promote and support the development of Madrid companies in the international arena. They also frequently work in conjunction with PromoMadrid, ICEX and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Madrid to provide events and services for Madrid companies such as business matchmaking events and business lecture series.

Cerame-Unie

Cerame-Unie is the voice of the European ceramic industry. It creates and maintains a constructive dialogue with the EU institutions, international partners and the social and environmental stakeholders by providing expertise in such important fields as environment and health & safety, climate change and energy, trade, construction, raw materials and standardization.

China-Britain Business Council (CBBC)

The main objective of the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) is to be the leading organisation helping UK companies grow and develop their business with China. CBBC works closely with the private sector and trade organisations, including UK Trade & Investment; the British Embassy and Consulate Generals in China; the British Chambers of Commerce in China; and the Devolved Administrations and Regional Development Agencies in the UK. CBBC is recognised at the highest levels of the Chinese government and it hosts business events for all senior Chinese leaders visiting UK. CBBC delivers its services through a network of nine offices in the UK and 11 Chinese cities.

The China-Italy Chamber of Commerce (CICC)

The China-Italy Chamber of Commerce (CICC) is a free, not for profit, elective and apolitical association of private Italian entrepreneurs and enterprises, established in 1991 and recognized by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development. It operates in tune with the Italian diplomatic bodies in China and with the Italian Trade Commission, to organize and coordinate activities to the benefit of the local business community. Its headquarters are in Beijing, and has local offices in Shanghai and Canton. CICC belongs to the network of 73 Italian Chambers abroad, and works in close cooperation with all the national Chambers in China, including EUCCC. For information: info@cameraitacina.com.

CLEPA

CLEPA is the European Association of Automotive Suppliers. 84 of the world's most prominent suppliers for car parts, systems and modules and 26 National trade associations and European sector associations are members of CLEPA, representing more than 3,000 companies, employing more than three million people and covering all products and services within the automotive supply chain. Based in Brussels, Belgium, CLEPA is recognized as the natural discussion partner by the European Institutions, United Nations and fellow associations (ACEA, JAMA, MEMA, etc).

Confederation of British Industry

The CBI's mission is to help create and sustain the conditions in which businesses in the United Kingdom can compete and prosper for the benefit of all. The CBI is the UK's largest and most influential business group. Its Beijing office was established in 2006 and has more than 500 member companies in China covering 20 sectors.

Danish Chamber of Commerce

The Danish Chamber of Commerce in China (DCCC) is a non-profit organization, which serves as the natural centre for the Danish business community in China by providing a platform for networking, information and best practice sharing as well as helping Danish companies grow and develop their business in, - and with China.

DCCC co-operates with the Royal Danish Embassy and the regional trade organizations through DCCC's three chapters in China (Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou)

DCCC furthermore sees it as its goal to promote dynamic and constructive commercial relations between Denmark and China.

DCCC is arranging regular breakfast meetings, lectures and seminars, training workshops, company visits as well as social functions.

DCCC is also promoting the sharing of knowledge and other information concerning commerce and Sino-Danish matters, as well as giving recommendations to the Chinese and Danish Governments and other authorities on legislative and other measures affecting trade between Denmark and China

Dutch Design Workspace

Dutch Design Workspace is a Dutch government funded incubator program that provides support to Dutch design firms setting up in China with two important elements; a plug and play shared office space and a special support program. The aim of Dutch Design Workspace is to create a bigger business momentum by having designers from different disciplines work together for an exchange of knowledge/expertise and to provide the much needed guidance for beginning or expanding companies/designers in China.

Enterprise Europe Network

The Enterprise Europe Network is the largest network of contact points providing information and advice to EU companies on EU matters, in particular small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Launched in 2008 by the European Commission, the Enterprise Europe Network is made up of close to 600 partner organisations in more than 40 countries, promoting competitiveness and innovation at the local level in Europe and beyond.

EU SME Centre

The EU SME Centre assists European SMEs to export to China by providing a comprehensive range of free, hands-on support services including the provision of information, confidential advice, networking events and training. The Centre also acts as a platform facilitating coordination amongst Member State and European public and private sector service providers to SMEs.

FinChi

FinChi Innovation Centre, headquartered in Shanghai with a branch office in Shenzhen, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a fast, safe and trouble-free platform for Finnish companies, institutions and other organizations entering China. In this unique Finland-China community with furnished office premises, all clients can benefit from FinChi full access to local business contacts and players, as well as FinChi turnkey practical assistance in optimizing their business development in China.

Finpro

Finpro is a globally operating organization that helps Finnish companies grow internationally and successfully. Finpro has over 350 professionals working in 65 offices in more than 40 countries. Finpro serves companies by enabling them to be at the right markets at the right time with a competitive offering and concept. Finpro as a public-private partner belongs to the Ministry of Employment and the Economy Group and works closely with other players in Finnish innovation ecosystem such as ELY-centers, Tekes and Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

Flanders Cleantech Association (FCA)

The Flanders Cleantech Association (FCA) was established in 2010 and is a free and open association for all cleantech stakeholders in the Flanders region of Belgium, including companies, knowledge institutions, investors and cleantech service associations. We operate closely with Chambers of Commerce and with the Flanders Investment and Trade agency to more strongly coordinate and promote technology, know-how and skills of our cleantech companies internationally. Our main focus is to decrease barriers of export for our companies to China and India and to support international cleantech related companies wishing to invest in Flanders or wishing to forge long-lasting partnerships.

Flanders Investment & Trade

Flanders investment & trade is a government agency supporting Flanders based businesses working abroad, and foreign companies wishing to set up operations in northern Belgium.

The French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China (CCIFC)

The French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China (CCIFC) is a private associative structure established in 1992 which focuses on supporting French and Sino-French firms and helping them develop their business in China. It gathers more than 1,200 members. Its priority is to offer services to its members: commercial support, a business center, HR support, publications, conferences, working groups and networking events. On the other hand, it supports French companies not yet established in China and willing to develop their business in the country. The CCIFC has its headquarters in Beijing, branches and representative offices in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Wuhan, Kunming, Dalian, Xiamen and Tianjin.

The German Centre Beijing

The German Centre Beijing supports small and medium-sized German companies in opening or expanding their own local base in China. Through the combination of offices and services, and the easy access to networks, companies can quickly enter new markets with calculable risk and manageable costs. During events and seminars, German and local companies can exchange information and experiences. This is advantageous mainly for newcomers to the market. Working as an interface and meeting point for the German business community in Beijing, the German Centre together with its partners, the German Embassy, the German Chamber of Commerce, and other service providers, facilitates easy access to German and local networks.

Global Hi-Tech IP Summit 2012
Tue 24 – Thur 26, January , Stockholm, Sweden

Global markets move fast no matter what industry you are in, the race is always onto file the next technological advancement before the competition. Global Hi-Tech IP 2012 is designed to capture and protect the value inherent in patent portfolio and assert the Intellectual Property Rights. It also provides opportunities to find out how other companies are using IP strategies to maximise the impact of their business within their respective fields.

For more information please visit www.hi-techip.com, email enquire@iqpc.co.uk, or call +44 (0) 207 368 9300.

Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HCCI)

The mission of the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HCCI) is to foster the development of the economy, the safety of business transactions and fair market practices, and the representation of the common interests of those carrying out business activities. HCCI especially aims at strengthening small and medium sized enterprises, by increasing their competitiveness and creating proper co-operation between small businesses and multinational companies. Today the voluntary based chamber system is supported by more than 33,000 companies.

INSME

The International Network for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises – INSME - is a non-profit Association, based in Rome (Italy), open to international membership. Its mission is to stimulate transnational cooperation and public and private partnership in the field of innovation and technology transfer to SMEs. Activities are supported by the Italian Ministry for Economic Development.

Nordic IPR Forum 2012
Tue 20 – Wed 21, March, Stockholm, Sweden

The Nordic IPR Forum is the most renowned Intellectual Property Rights event for the Nordic region. Over the past 9 years, it has established a reputation for being a unique IP event for senior IP professionals to address complex needs, explore strategies to boost business performance, learn and benchmark against the latest IP trends and best practice.

For more information please visit www.nordicipr.com, email enquire@iqpc.co.uk, or call +44 (0) 207 368 9300.

ORGALIME

Orgalime, the European Engineering Industries Association, speaks for 33 trade federations representing some 130,000 companies in the mechanical, electrical, electronic, metalworking & metal articles industries of 22 European countries. The industry employs some 9.7 million people in the EU and in 2010 accounted for some €1,510 billion of annual output. The industry not only represents some 28% of the output of manufactured products but also a third of the manufactured exports of the European Union.

Own-It

Own-it offers intellectual property (IP) advice, information and learning resources for the creative sector. We offer a range of services, from basic to specialist support, through an online enquiries system, online and face-to face seminars and workshops and, where appropriate, surgeries with IP lawyers. We work with a network of IP advisers including leading law firms, law schools and specialists at various trade organisations associated with the creative industries in the UK.

Own-it is funded by the University of the Arts London (UAL). Membership is free to all. UAL staff, students and recent graduates have free access to all services while external users pay a small nominal admin fee for some services such as sample contracts and IP clinics. To register with Own-it and gain free access to our resources, click here.

UK Trade and Investment (UKTI)

With professional advisers across 96 international markets, UK Trade & Investment is the government department that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy and assists overseas companies to bring their high-quality investment to the UK.

VDMA

The VDMA (Verband Deutscher Maschinen - und Anlagenbau - German Engineering Federation) is one of the key association service providers in Europe and offers the largest engineering industry network in Europe. Representing 3,000 mainly small/medium size member companies in the engineering industry, it is one of the largest and most important industrial associations in Europe.

EC2

The Europe-China Clean Energy Centre (EC2) is a 5-year EU-funded cooperation project started in 2010, set-up by the European Commission, the National Energy Administration of China and the Ministry of Commerce of China and supported by the Italian Ministry for the Environment, Land and Sea.

EC2's main tasks are to promote an increased use of clean energy in China and to support Chinese Government¹s efforts to shape a more sustainable, environmental friendly and efficient energy sector. EC2 network, including nine European and Chinese partners, acts as a intelligent hub providing advices to Chinese and European players in the field in order to foster technology transfer and cooperation, assist policy-making activities, deliver institutional capacity building, and raise awareness on clean energy and its benefit to the environment. EC2 focus areas are: clean coal, sustainable biofuels, renewable energy, energy efficiency in energy consumption, and sustainable and efficient distribution systems.

Other EU and International Partner Organisations:

The European IPR Helpdesk

The European IPR Helpdesk provides direct support and advice in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) issues to beneficiaries of European Union (EU) funded projects focusing on Research and Technical Development (RTD) as well as Competitiveness and Innovation Programmes (CIP).

At the same time the European IPR Helpdesk provides direct support and advice to EU Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs), including micro-enterprises, in general in the process of negotiating or concluding transnational partnership agreements, especially through the Enterprise Europe Network.

International Trademark Association (INTA)

The International Trademark Association (INTA) is a not-for-profit membership association dedicated to the support and advancement of trademarks and related intellectual property as elements of fair and effective commerce. Headquartered in New York City, INTA also has offices in Shanghai and Brussels and representatives in Geneva, Mumbai and Washington D.C.

INTA membership is over 5,700 organizations in more than 190 countries and is comprised of companies from across all industries and sizes that own trademarks; law and service firms; and academics. INTA focuses on a number of benefits and services that provide value to our members including: policy development and advocacy at national, regional and international level; global trademark research materials; and education and training programs. The Association offers a wide range of complimentary resources and information on the basics of trademarks, via a dedicated SME Portal at www.inta.org/sme.

For more information about INTA visit the home page www.inta.org, or to contact an INTA office click here.

Understanding China

The "Understanding China" aims to improve the understanding of European SMEs of the Chinese market. A wide range of activities is carried out to achieve this overall objective. They can be grouped under two main sections: annual training for business representative organisations and a series of policy dialogue events (conferences, SME roundtables, China Advisory Council, interactive website community). The programme is co-financed by the European Commission's Directorate General Development and Cooperation - EuropeAid.

Project implemented by:

DEVELOPMENT Solutions

Designs and implements EC funded technical assistance and capacity building projects in emerging economies which highlight EC policies and regulatory practices in the fields of trade, economics and sustainable development. This work provides a platform for the facilitation of European trade, investment and business infrastructure in these markets.

European Union Chamber of Commerce in China

The European Chamber is the voice of European business in China: providing a channel of communication within high-level Chinese and European political and economic circles; as well as monitoring and reporting on China´s market access and lobbying on trade related issues.