A CHINESE tea ceremony was held to mark Grant Thornton’s sponsorship of Liverpool’s pavilion at the World Expo 2010.

The six-month exhibition is being hosted by Liverpool’s sister city, Shanghai, and the accountancy firm is part of a large professional services delegation that will be looking to develop its international presence.

Grant Thornton employs more than 400 people across offices in Liverpool and Manchester and another 400 people in Shanghai.

Neil Sturmey, Grant Thornton’s managing partner, said: “The Expo gives us the perfect opportunity to display just what we have achieved as a city to a global audience. And being closely connected with the next big superpower will certainly help Liverpool’s continued recognition across the world as a rising business community.”

Mike Taylor, director of investment and enterprise at Liverpool Vision, said: “The professional services sector is one of the jewels in Liverpool’s business crown, with a worldwide reputation and significant expertise in global affairs.”