Wigan based Utilise Training and Development Solutions played a significant role when Trade and Industry Secretary Alastair Darling strengthened the trade relationship between the UK and China. This was following a meeting with Mr BO Xilai, Chinese Minster of Commerce at the seventh Ministerial meeting of the UK–China Joint Economic and Trade Commission in London. 

The discussions at Mansion House, looked at strategic trade and investment issues and was followed by a UK Trade & Investment organised ministerial witnessing of a number of commercial signings. One of the most significant of these was a joint venture between Utilise of Wigan and XinAo Gas Holdings of LangFang in China to train all gas operatives and managers in XinAo and other Chinese gas companies to an equivalent NVQ.  Utilise will also be working with the China Gas Association in establishing Gas qualification Standards in China based on UK Standards. 

XinAo Gas Holdings of LangFang are one of the biggest privately owned gas companies in China. The JV will allow Utilise to train all gas operatives and managers in XinAo and other Chinese gas companies to an equivalent NVQ. Working with a large Chinese company will allow Utilise to expand and help the gas industry in China and also allow XinAo access to UK training Standards.  This will improve all aspects of Gas delivery in China.

It is anticipated that working to UK standards will boost the opportunities for appropriate UK products in China.