Virus fears fail to halt SATRA seminars

SATRA's first footwear seminars in mainland China have been completely successfully and were well attended * despite fears of the SARS virus in that part of the world. The UK technology centre had several months ago planned two seminars to advise Asian delegates how to succeed in western markets and significant numbers of bookings had been taken. The team flew out at the end of March to prepare, just as the Asia Pacific Leather Fair — due to follow immediately afterwards in Hong Kong — had been cancelled because of visitors' fears of travel and contracting the virus. 'The decision to go ahead regardless proved the right one', says SATRA deputy chief executive and seminar leader Richard Turner. 'These sessions were very well attended and provided some valuable feedback.' The two seminars were held in Guangzhou and Dongguan — prolific manufacturing regions of China — and SATRA's experts delivered presentations on topics which included comfort, last assessment and fitting and product liability. Several factory visits were also on the agenda and significant new business links have since been forged between SATRA and major Chinese manufacturers and sourcers. 'SATRA intends to increase its commitment to the region with more staff present and more products and services geared towards the needs of the manufacturers and resourcing companies', adds Turner