REGIONAL Chinese success stories may still be thin on the ground, but there are some local companies which are developing the trading relationship.

Umbrella and outdoor equipment maker Susino opened its first UK outdoor product centre in Speke Hall Estate Industrial Park last September. It was the first Chinese stock exchange-listed company in the North West.

The investment, initially worth around £400,000, was secured by Liverpool based Chinalink.

Mark Basnett, director of operations at The Mersey Partnership, which has been working with ChinaLink and BusinessLiverpool in marketing Merseyside to potential Chinese investors since 2003, said: “Susino's investment in Liverpool represents a pivotal moment in our relationship with China. The investment tide is starting to flow out of China, and Liverpool is well positioned to offer an attractive investment environment for Chinese companies.”

While Chinese investment in the region is still rare, there are several companies from the Liverpool city region that are investing in China.

Merseyside entrepreneur Tony Caldeira is arguably the most high-profile success story.

Mr Caldeira, managing director of Knowsley-based cushion manufacturer Caldeira, began trading with China in 2003 and last year opened a 250,000sq ft factory complex in Hangzhou.

He said: “Caldeira has proved British SMEs can compete globally, even in home textiles.

“Hopefully more British companies will follow our lead and look for global opportunities instead of worrying about the Chinese threat.”

He featured in a Channel 4 documentary broadcast earlier this year, called Brits Get Rich in China, which highlighted some of the issues faced by the company as it set up its joint venture business in China, and he recently became an external adviser at Liverpool John Moores University working with those studying for an MA in Chinese business, culture and enterprise.

Two Wirral-based companies are also benefiting from its ties with the country.

Plexus Cotton set up a base in Shanghai to profit from China’s huge demand for cotton and it is now one of the company’s key markets. In just seven years, the country’s demand for cotton has more than doubled, to 11m tonnes, while its ability to grow cotton is decreasing.

Also, Prenton-based parcel-handling company Sovex, which already has parts of its products made in China, hopes to win new business in the country as its multi-national clients expand operations there.