Live Lounge Podcast Series by BritCham Shanghai

Hosted by Tim Yu, Partner of Mazars and Chair of BritCham Shanghai’s Financial Service Committee, this podcast interviews Eason Geng, Partner at Dentons Shanghai, Jasmine Chen, Legal Director China at Weir Group, and Miranda Ye, Associate Director at PwC. ESOP as Employee Stock Ownership Plan is utilized by many successful companies across the world. The many successes of ESOP companies may largely be attributed to the enhancement of employee productivity. These productivity effects are becoming increasingly noticed across the world. This episode gives us a fundamental framework for doing Employment Share Option Plan (ESOP) in China. Topics include:how do companies do ESOPwhat are the underlining issues from legal & tax perspectivesadvice for implementation

Hosted by BritCham Shanghai's Business Committee Manager Frances Song, this podcast interviews Vivienne Jin, Partner and New York State Admitted Attorney at Rui Bai Law Firm, a member of the PwC global network of firms. In late November, more favourable parental leave policies have been rolled out in Chinese cities and provinces to reduce the burden of childbirth and child care. Under the revised regulation, the Shanghai government announced that maternity leave is extended to 158 days. This episode introduces the overview of this policy change, including the background and the perspective from a legal point of view, as well as practical advice for businesses. The podcast is conducted in English. 

The gaming industry is booming in China. At the recently concluded 19th ChinaJoy (the China Digital Entertainment Expo and Conference), a half-year report was released and stated that China's gaming industry saw total sales revenue up 7.89 per cent year-on-year to hit 150.5 billion yuan ($23.3 billion) over the first six months in 2021. By the end of June in 2021, the number of game players in China topped over 666 million, up 1.38 per cent from a year earlier.This episode takes a China perspective on the gaming industry. Joining the podcast host Richard Seymore are three experts in the field:Julien Bares, VP at Tencent GamesWim Coveliers, Industry Specialist Elijah Freeman, Vice President of Games Division at VirtuosThis podcast is conducted in English.

The pandemic and changing policies towards China have presented particular challenges to trans-national higher education in China. This episode addresses potential effects over the near to mid-term through discussion at the sector wide level, with some illustrative case studies.The speakers are:Prof Sue WelburnCo-chair, UK-China Joint Institute AllianceExecutive Dean, Zhejiang Edinburgh InstituteChair of Medical and Veterinary Molecular Epidemiology, University of EdinburghProf Laura BishopPrincipal, Sino-British College University of Shanghai for Science and TechnologyJohn McNamaraGlobal Head of Research at British CouncilSi SuHead of Education Technology and Higher Education at Department for International TradeThis session is moderated by Alastair Balchin, Director of External Engagement, SBC at The Sino-British College, USST. If you would like to get in touch with any of the speakers, please contact janet.jiang@britishchambershanghai.cn.This podcast is conducted in English and was recorded from a live event organised by the Chamber's Education Committee.

Preparation for Chinese students to progress to study in the UK.

Hosted by Independent Marketing Adviser, Richard Seymore, this podcast discusses the recent trends and impacts of Open Source technology applied to business in China. Richard talks to three panelists who are experts in this field. First up is Dean Zhou, CEO & Founder of Open Lab, who is a business leader and successful entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in the software industry. Next is Luke Han, CEO & Founder of Kyligence and co-creator of open source Apache Kylin. And the final speaker is Cypress Hu, Founder of ClickPaaS, a development platform that helps SaaS enterprises to significantly reduce response times and costs for complex business requirements.

This podcast examines how brands are adapting to trends in the Chinese market as a result of the Covid-19 virus. We explore media campaigns and digital strategies that have proved successful at reaching China's consumers and how they have changed since Covid-19. This podcast covers topics such as:How digital marketing and e-commerce is being used to maximise revenue and increase customer loyaltyThe shifting psychology of consumersHow brands are utilising technology to reach customersWhich marketing campaigns have been successful during the crisis  Key takeaways:Technology and the use of mini-programmes are critical to brand success.Distinct market segments are emerging due to consumer anxieties and emotional responses.Brands should align themselves with consumers, remain needs-based and community orientated rather than profit focusedSuccessful media campaigns have focused upon empathy and solidarity to increase market share.Organisations should seek to offer increased value through their supply chain and networks rather than discounts and price reductions.Panel of speakers:HOST: Richard Seymore, Senior Marketing Manager, Britannica International School: Richard has previously managed global accounts and marketing for Sage China, and is a former associate lecturer within the department of economics and international business at Oxford Brookes University Business School.Mark Tanner, Founder & MD, China Skinny: Mark has provided China-market growth strategies and research to around 200 brands including Nike, Tourism Australia, Colgate, Reckitt Benckiser, IKEA, Woolworths, Coles, SAIC Motors and IHG. His views on China have been quoted in more than 200 international media outlets including Bloomberg, Reuters, FT, WSJ and Forbes, where he is a columnist. Jimmy Chang, General Manager, Scape Creative Communications: Jimmy is the founder and current General Manager of Scape Creative Communications, a brand communications agency specializing in creative branding, marketing communications and events planning and management.Kirsten Johnston, Founder & CEO, JWDK: In China, JWDK specialises in strategic brand positioning and brand development in China. Kirsten hails from London and founded her firm there in 2003, later expanding her business to China and Hong Kong in 2014.If you would like to get in touch with any of the speakers, please contact janet.jiang@britishchambershanghai.cnThis podcast is conducted in English and was recorded over a call. We apologise that the quality of the audio is compromised in parts.

This podcast explores how the Covid-19 virus has impacted B2B Marketing across the world. Hosted by Steven Proud, we feature four speakers over the course of two episodes of which this is Part Two.In this episode, Steven talks to two B2B Marketing experts, Paul Everett and Samuel Njoroge, from the UK and Africa respectively. They discuss the challenges faced by their own clients and various patterns that have emerged during and after the pandemic crisis.  This podcast covers topics such as:• Marketing patterns and common client concerns• How could have things been done better (in hindsight)• How will this virus change the marketing landscape for good?• How has each region handled their marketing during this crisis Key take-aways:• Covid-19 has accelerated digital transformation in all regions. Not just for marketing but also for operations and managing a business.• Some world regions have proven to be more resilient due to previous wars and dangerous environments• No one had a decent contingency plan or play book in place specifically for a pandemic• Digital will play permanent and key role in the way events and businesses market themselvesIf your business has been impacted and you would like to get in touch with any of the speakers, please contact janet.jiang@britishchambershanghai.cnThis podcast is conducted in English.

This podcast explores how the Covid-19 virus has impacted B2B Marketing across the world. Hosted by Steven Proud, we feature four speakers over the course of two episodes.In this episode, Steven talks to two B2B Marketing agency owners, Michael Meier and Orit Oz, from Germany and Israel respectively. They discuss the challenges faced by their own clients and various patterns that have emerged during and after the pandemic crisis.  This podcast covers topics such as:Marketing patterns and common client concernsHow could have things been done better (in hindsight)How will this virus change the marketing landscape for good?How has each region handled their marketing during this crisis Key take-aways:Covid-19 has accelerated digital transformation in all regions. Not just for marketing but also for operations and managing a business.Some world regions have proven to be more resilient due to previous wars and dangerous environmentsNo one had a decent contingency plan or play book in place specifically for a pandemicDigital will play permanent and key role in the way events and businesses market themselves If your business has been impacted and you would like to get in touch with any of the speakers, please contact janet.jiang@britishchambershanghai.cnThis podcast is conducted in English.

This podcast explores the “what now” and “what next” for small businesses in China as the Covid-19 virus becomes contained. We feature three SME businesses that have been heavily impacted by the outbreak (two in hospitality and one in events management) and discuss their current challenges and future strategies for the short-term. We also talk to two financial and legal experts about practical tips.This podcast covers topics such as:financial and operational impacts of the Covid-19 virus on SMEsurvival tactics and opportunities arising from the crisisthe new trends that have emerged which may become the ‘new normal’how to manage cash right awaycontractual concerns and force majeure claimsKey take-aways:restaurant businesses have thin margins and limited cash. They often cannot last more than 2-3 monthscustomer confidence is returning slowly to hotels and F&B but with tight safety measures in placecash-flow should be an operational concern, not just the job of the financial managerleaning on trusted supplier relationships for support goes a long way in times like these when payments often need to be delayedSMEs with a good recovery plan are more likely to secure a loan from their bank at this timesmall businesses may be able to lean on force majeure claims if directly impacted by the Covid-19.If your business has been impacted and you would like to get in touch with any of the speakers, please contact janet.jiang@britishchambershanghai.cnThis podcast is conducted in English.

** 中文音频（附英文介绍） Chinese Audio with English Introduction **这是我们沙龙座谈播客系列第二季的第六集，也是最后一集。今天在这里讨论的主题是“员工留用，你重视了吗？”这也是我们系列节目首次推出的中文版本，作为商会不断响应当地商业需求的一部分，我们正在将之作为试播节目进行尝试。本期迷你沙龙座谈播客由瀚纳仕大中华区市场总监Kathy Lou主持。 两位做客嘉宾分别是来自德比软件的全球人力资源总监Wendy Xia，和来自JCB的人力资源总监Ludia Lei。This is our sixth and final episode of Season Two in the Live Lounge Podcast Series, where we discuss the topic of “Staff retention, is it getting enough attention?” This is also our first Chinese language edition of the series.This Mini Lounge Podcast is hosted by Kathy Lou, who is Head of Marketing Greater China from Hays. She is joined by Wendy Xia, who is Global HR Head from DerbySoft. Also in the Lounge is Ludia Lei, who is Head of HR from JCB Construction Equipment Shanghai.

Welcome to our fifth episode of Season Two in the Live Lounge Podcast Series which is an insightful discussion about the growth and globalisation of Higher Education in China. Together the panel discuss the market trends, current practices, opportunities and developments in the higher education industry in China.Mini Lounge panel:Richard Seymore, Senior Marketing Manager, Britannica International School Shanghai and former Project Manager and Associate Lecturer at Oxford Brookes University Business School (Host)John Darwin Van Fleet, Director, Corporate Globalization, The Antai College of Economics & Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Chair of the American Chamber of Commerce Education Committee and Secretary, Royal Asiatic Society ChinaDavid Dufour, International MBA Director and Associate Professor in Management at the International Business School Suzhou and Xian Jiao Tong – Liverpool University

Welcome to our fourth episode of Season Two in the Live Lounge Podcast Series, where we take a China perspective on maximising brand Scotland.It explores the current opportunities for Scottish SME businesses to export to China circumnavigating the category of premium consumer goods. Topics include to how to leverage your Scottishness in China and what opportunities lay ahead for Scottish brands selling to the growing middle-class Chinese market.Live Lounge panel:Kirsten Johnston, CEO & Brand Strategist, JWDK; Chair Marketing Focus Group, The British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai (Host)Kevin Liu, Head of Greater China and Energy Trade Lead for Asia Pacific for Scottish Development InternationalJosh Lane, Regional Director — Asia, Holland & SherryJeffrey Xu, China Representative, Begg & CoLee Folland, Director of Research, Reuter CommunicationsSimon Lee, Managing Director & Head of Investment & Capital Markets, International Merchandise Exchange & Exhibition (IMX)

Welcome to our third episode of Season Two in the Live Lounge Podcast Series and today we bring you a fascinating broadcast about the benefits and challenges of Managing Cross-Cultural Teams in China. Together the panel discuss the obstacles encountered when working in China under international corporate structures and the uniqueness of Chinese working practices versus other Asian regions. They offer stories and advice that will be of benefit to anyone hoping to succeed in China working with cross-cultural teams.Mini Lounge panel:Steven Proud, Global Marketing Director of Brandigo; Member Marketing Focus Group, The British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai (Host)Peter Bomer, Founder & CEO The China Hack; Founder & CEO e-power Investment; Former Regional Marketing Director, Johnnie WalkerBessie Lee, Non-exec Director Electrocomponents plc; Non-exec Director United Communications Group; Founder withinlink; Former CEO WPP China

This is our second episode of Season Two in the Live Lounge Podcast Series, where we discuss Corporate Innovation and Intrepreneurship – The Future of Disruption. Learn about how enterprise level companies are leveraging Venture Capital firms to source start-ups; to manage and incubate products, supply chain and operational innovations.Mediator: Jill Smith, Managing Director in China of Iris WorldwidePanel:Carol Zhou, Head of Shiseido China Business Innovation & Representative OfficeBrian Tam, Creativity Consultant, Let’s Make Great!Summer Xia, Marketing Manager at Microsoft for Startups ChinaLuuk Eliens, Head of Innovation at XNode Corporate Start-up Innovation AcceleratorKapil Kane, Director of Innovation at Intel and Co-Founder of Ideas2Reality

This is our first episode of Season 2 in the Live Lounge Podcast Series, and the first of our new Mini-Lounge format. Mini-Lounge is a three-way discussion about a detailed business topic impacting business in China today.This podcast discusses, ‘Marketing new products and flavours to China’s evolving consumer’. The panel explores some of the latest trends and tactics to reach Chinese consumers in the food and beverage industry.Three-way expert panel:Joel Bacall, Associate Director of The Silk Initiative (Host)Jennifer Jiang, China Country Manager, Simplot AustraliaPolly Zhang, Co-Founder, JOVA HealthOrder of play (minutes):02:00 Latest trends in foods and flavours06:04 Taking inspiration from Chinese medicine (Polly)07:48 How to adapt the ingredients list for China (Joel/Polly)09:52 Ingredients that consumers care about (Jennifer)11:23 Colouring of foods including John West Salmon (Jennifer)12:45 The difference between a trend and a fad in China (Joel)13:30 Juice cleanse fad (Polly)14:27 The dirty bun, Blue Sprite and Korean Spicy Instant Noodle fads (Jennifer)15:50 Fad is not always bad (Jennifer)16:22 Yoghurt strategies and purchase drivers (Joel)16:58 Arousing curiosity (Joel)18:00 Trying new ideas (Joel/Polly)19:20 'White Rabbit' flavoured lipstick (Jennifer)20:00 Future trends in China (Joel/Polly)20:32 Seasonality and everything natural (Polly)21:21 Personal successes and failures – Startup view (Polly)22:27 Social media channels (Jennifer)23:57 The biggest challenges looking forward for F&B in China (Jennifer)25:10 Where we went wrong with John West (Jennifer)27:50 Future for health brands (Jennifer)

This is our fourth episode of Season 1 in the Live Lounge podcast series, where we invite business leaders to tackle major topics and trends impacting business in China.This time our expert panel will discuss what do Chinese consumers want? The panel will advise on the best business and marketing practices to make your brand relevant and interesting to the Chinese consumer. Topics include understanding and monitoring Chinese demand, how Chinese tastes have changed over the last 20 years and how to reach Chinese consumers today through technology.Host: Matt Mitchener, Marketing Manager, China, St James’s Place Wealth ManagementPanelists:  Mark Tanner, Managing Director, China Skinny Jerry Clode, Head of Digital Insight & Director of SMART Research, Resonance Jeya Ibrahim-Lecomte, Goose Island Brand Manager, China, ZX Ventures (A division of AB Inbev) Stone Shi, Founder & CEO, Bon AppOrder of play: 01:40 How contested is the consumer space in China? (Mark)02:30 What are the key elements brands must get right when marketing to consumers? (Mark)05:20 How are brands able to localise from city to city in China? (Mark)08:20 What’s changed over the last 25 years in China in terms of expenditure and consumer preference? (Jerry)09:57 How do you see consumer trends in relation to technology? (Jerry)10:48 What misconceptions do Western brands have about Chinese consumers? (Jerry)11:42 How are certain market segments trading up and trading down in China? (Jerry)12:44 What are the main cultural differences in terms of what Chinese consumers want? (Jerry)13:39 Can you explain the journey of Goose Island in China from when you launched until today? (Jeya)16:33 What have been the biggest learnings for an American beer brand entering the China market? (Jeya)17:33 How do you differentiate your marketing strategy for different tier cities? (Jeya)19:40 What is BonApp and the make up of its user base? (Stone)20:51 What was your marketing strategy launching in the China market? (Stone)23:06 Do preferences of users change from Tier 1 to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities? (Stone)24:22 In the next few years, what do you think Chinese consumers will want? (Stone)26:10 What advice would you give incoming brands about technology? (Mark)27:14 How can brands be China ready in terms of using technology? (Mark)28:10 What are the major desires when it comes brands and technology? (Jerry)29:27 How is Goose Island embracing technology in China? (Jeya)30:40 Concluding thoughts about cultural appropriation referencing Dolce & Gabbana (Mark)

This time, our expert panel will share stories about how to launch a brand in China. Supported by a legal and marketing expertise, the panel will dispel myths, and arm you with essential knowledge to better your own approach in the China market. Topics include:how to get started and dispel common myths;protecting your intellectual property and growing your brand in China;adapting to the local mindset and building local alliances;how to combat sudden policy changes and navigate government regulations;protecting your brand cross-border.Host: Kirsten Johnston, CEO of JWDKPanelists:Michael Norris, Former Research Manager, ResonanceHarold Broese van Groenou, Owner XIX Spirit; Co-founder & Director Gotham EastMatthew Waddick, Founder, Shanghai CustomsKaren Hao, Attorney at Law, Hong Fang LawIf you would like to get in touch with the speaker, please email janet.jiang@britishchambershanghai.org

Welcome to the second episode of our series of Live Lounge podcasts, where we invite business leaders to tackle major topics and trends impacting companies in China. This panel discussion was recorded in front of a live audience in Shanghai on 24 October 2018 at JLL office.The topic of this episode is Digital Transformation. What does Digital Transformation mean? How do organisations decide where to begin and what does it look like in practice? Our panel of experts provide a broad overview of the topic comparing China to the Western world, and discuss how you might approach change within your business from operations and marketing through to recruitment. For more information about the British Chamber Shanghai and its Marketing Focus Group, please click here.