Brits get rich in China

On Channel 4 (London) last night an insigthful documentary profiled three british entrepeneurs in China in Brits get Rich in China. The program followed An old not quite over the empire war veteran, a liverpudlian that has lost his UK based business to chinese imports and a maverick from oldham who made his millions in selling cheap kitchens to the UK market as they sought their fortunes in China. All three came up smelling of roses but each of their stories was fascinating. It was also a fascinating glimpse into doing business in China. From the three c's of Culture, Connections, Community (and Cash - the fourth) to sharing in local delicacies of donkey penis it was an eye opener into the wild east of the business world. The three different characters all followed in the tradition of the british entrepeneur - self belief, high risks for high rewards and a determination in the face of incredible odds against them. Snapshots of Shanghai took me back to the excitement I felt when I was there last year. China is a land of opportunity for those willing to take the risk and dive in.