SATRA reaps dividends from Asian enterprises

The SATRA brand reached a new level of awareness in Asia after the UK technology centre led a series of a seminars and then took part in the Asia Pacific Leather Fair in Hong Kong. The three seminars in Dongguan - at the centre of the Chinese shoemaking industry - attracted almost 100 delegates. These included several non-members who all expressed a subsequent interest in joining SATRA. Seminar subjects included safety footwear and health and safety. Seven new SATRA membership applications were logged at the fair and more than 120 contacts were registered with companies from 28 countries - primarily India, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Thailand. Main visitor interest focussed on SATRA's test equipment, type approval for personal protective clothing, production systems, laboratory accreditation and awareness of hazardous substances. Deputy chief executive Richard Turner, who led the SATRA delegation, says: 'South-east Asia continues to be a prime market for our products and services and notwithstanding language difficulties, our brand is enjoying a high level of recognition. Our seminars and participation in this year's fair has proved a valuable profile-raising experience.'