The experience of launching and running Harvey Nichols in Hong Kong and sourcing for Gap in Asia Pacific are among the credentials of the speakers at a seminar to provide insight into the potential for selling in China being organised by UK Fashion Exports (UKFE), the export division of the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT), on 11 November 2009 from 3-6pm at 5 Portland Place, London W1.

“Everyone knows something about China, but only a small percentage of fashion executives have sufficient indepth, locally-acquired knowledge to source effectively, to make the move into retailing or understand the Chinese perception of Western fashion brands,” claims Paul Alger, executive director, UKFE.

“Our retail experts will address these issues and to allay the fears of retailers and designers keen to move into the region, but apprehensive about protecting their designs and trademarks, a top trademark attorney and a successful IP litigator will share their experiences. “

Speaker Meanne Ho, previously president of Gap Inc, is managing director of MH Concepts, a retail development and sourcing organisation, whose clients include Gymboree, Norma Kamali for Walmart and other US brands/retailers.

Brenda Wang was CEO of Harvey Nichols Hong Kong and spearheaded the pre-store set up and first year of business. She now runs Brandxcel, a Hong Kong-based boutique consulting firm, specialising in market entry strategies, business development and planning and retail operations for niche luxury, fashion and lifestyle branded businesses.

The legal experts are David Keltie of Keltie, the UK and European patent and trade mark attorneys, and David Wragge, head of Intellectual Property and the Far East operations of Wragge & Co.

To book places at China: Today’s Source – Tomorrow’ Market, download a booking form from ukfashionexports.com or email david.challinor@ukfashionexports.com (tel: 020 7636 5577).