I recently spoke at a UKTI (UK Trade & Investment) conference during a recent whirlwind visit to SE Asia by UK’s Prime Minister David Cameron. The PM and his 86 strong entourage graced 4 Asian countries in 5 days, pushing for stronger bilateral trade ties, and reinvigorating the relationship between the UK and its Asian partners.

Not only is such an initiative much needed in a time of economic difficulty, but more so a necessity in times where trade partnerships with the East become increasingly more influential, and inward investment into the UK most welcomed (to say the least). I must say however, that despite the difficulties at home in the UK, the UKTI had embarked on a very bold and consistent campaign themed the ‘GREAT Campaign’, basically blowing the trumpet of how GREAT BRITAIN, was once a dominant economic force. The campaign ran across an entire gamut of integrated Print, Digital, and Outdoor, which illustrate the many facets of commercial attractiveness of conducting business with the UK.

(The writer Bob Chua speaking about trade opportunities between ASEAN and the UK)

The challenge and opportunity which this particular campaign promoted, was the fact that it is usually extremely difficult to develop a key message that promotes a country based on its numerous traits, be it heritage, commerce, tourism, or trade. The GREAT Campaign not only nailed this in my opinion, but also stuck to a common theme that will hopefully put the GREAT, back into GREAT BRITAIN.

KUALA LUMPUR, Mar 15 – Malaysian companies learnt why the UK is still an attractive businesses destination, especially when looking at going global at a breakfast forum organised by the UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and Pulse Group PLC at the Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur recently.

Pulse is a leading digital research agency founded by enterprising Malaysian entrepreneur Bob Chua, who decided to set up a global office in the UK in 2008. In 33 months since setting up overseas, Pulse floated on London’s PLUS market, a stock exchange providing cash trading and listing, derivatives and technology services.

Chua shared the secret of his success with the attendees, many of whom were looking at opportunities to invest in various sectors in the UK, including infrastructure, education, oil and gas, creative services, information technology and property.

“The UK is one of the largest market research buying regions, so we have had business there from day one. The UK is known to have good corporate governance and for operating a solid financial system, so having a base there lent us an element of credibility,” said Chua, a recipient of the Ernst & Young Emerging Entrepreneur of the year Award in 2008.

Chua added that the initial 90 per cent of Pulse’s business came from international companies, and thanked UKTI for their support and introduction to UKTI’s network of contacts.

With professional advisers across 96 international markets, UKTI helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy and assists overseas companies to bring high quality investments in to the UK.

Tony Collingridge OBE, Director of Trade & Investment at the British High Commission said, “The UK has maintained its position as the most popular location for inward investment in Europe. The UK economy is open, diverse, well-regulated and competitive. It is quick and easy to start a business and take advantage of the high levels of skills, innovation and value that has helped so many overseas companies grow their global business through the UK.”

According to Ernst & Young’s 2011 European Attractiveness Survey, the UK has maintained its leadership in FDI projects and FDI jobs in Europe with investors leveraging on its strength in services and increasingly its industry, investing in business services (14% of the projects received), machinery and equipment (11%), computers (7%) and software (7%).

About Bob Chua

Bob Chua is Founder and CEO of Pulse Group PLC, one of the industry’s fastest growing Digital Research Agency’s, having grown from start-up to IPO (on London’s PLUS market) in a mere 33 months. Prior to Pulse, Bob lived and worked in London, Sydney, Hong Kong, and spent a significant amount of time in the US. His global outlook and management style has seen him achieve significant roles within some of the largest Fortune 500 organisations, as well as consulting some of the leading companies throughout the world.

Bob is a successful Malaysian Entrepreneur with a vast global network, and experience in starting-up, fund-raising, nurturing hyper-growth, M&A’s, and bringing companies public. He is also a winner of the prestigious ‘Ernst & Young Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2008’.

Bob also advises the Malaysian Government on policies and matters relating to technology, economics, and innovation by appointment of the Malaysian Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI). Bob is a Graduate from Griffith Business School, Australia.

For media enquiries, please contact Sheikh Zain, Head of Marketing, Pulse Group at 603-2167 6666 or email sheikh.zain@pulse-group.com

At the British High Commission, please contact Vivienne Pal, Media Officer, at 03-2170 2200 ext 263 or email Vivienne.Pal@fco.gov.uk

Dear Friends – Yet another wonderful year is about to come to an end. It is hard to believe how fast the year has flown by, although nice to finally come up to smell the roses, and prepare for a good break.

As we wind down for 2011, we would like to thank all of you for your wonderful support, and continued relationships with our group around the world. In true PULSE style, we have continued to move at break-neck speed, introducing new services and a wealth of talent throughout our network. We look forward to continuing that journey with you throughout 2012…and beyond.

As we all head out in different directions for the year end, we would like to wish you and your families a ‘Wonderful Holiday Season’, and look forward to seeing you back in action in 2012.

Happy New Year!
From all of us at Pulse Group PLC