Nine businesses from Sheffield have travelled to China as part of the local authority's efforts to strengthen trade with Beijing.

The delegates, which represent the digital, food and drink, and engineering sectors, are part of Sheffield China 88, the export acceleration programme developed by the city growth department of Sheffield City Council.

The companies are taking part in the 13th Henan Cross Border Trade and Investment Event and the Bank of China Global Matchmaking for small and medium sized enterprises.

The delegates are Appt, Uniplex, Somi Trailers, Tinsley Bridge, Pura Panela, Mak Tok, Nova Porta, Palego Travel and GP Express.

‘The strength of this delegation shows the city's recent focus on trade and investment with China is bearing tangible results for Sheffield businesses,' said Edward Highfield, director of city growth at Sheffield City Council.

The Sheffield China 88 programme provides business support and business contacts in China. Its aim is to alleviate any barriers to export for Sheffield companies.