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Liverpool’s largest accountancy firm Grant Thornton staged a traditional Chinese tea ceremony to officially mark its sponsorship of the city’s pavilion at the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai.

The firm, based in the Royal Liver Building, was one of the first businesses to sign up to support Liverpool’s presence at the Expo, which has been dubbed the ‘Business Olympics’.

Representatives from Grant Thornton and Liverpool Vision took part in the ceremony at City Rendezvous which is used in Chinese culture to show respect and also mark special occasions.

Managing partner Neil Sturmey said: “Liverpool’s business community has witnessed continued growth over recent years; sectors from leisure and retail through to the universities and property led regeneration have all played their part in the city’s revival.

“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.

“Our plans for the Expo include hosting a number of exclusive VIP events, in conjunction with our Shanghai office. While the guest lists are yet to be confirmed we will be taking the opportunity to link up with some of their Chinese business clients and key contacts.”

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. The city is ideally placed to capitalise upon this reputation so we are delighted Grant Thornton have signed up to be sponsors. We believe they will reap major benefits from their presence at the Expo.”

Councillor Warren Bradley, Liverpool City Council Leader, said: “Grant Thornton’s support for Liverpool’s presence at the World Expo is very pleasing. They realise the great opportunities it offers the city’s business community and their sponsorship sets a great example to other local companies.”
Grant Thornton employs over 400 people across offices in Liverpool and Manchester and already has an active and fast growing presence in the Chinese city.

The Shanghai office of Grant Thornton International through local mergers 3 years ago has grown to employ over 400 staff.

Neil said: “On a more internal business level, our involvement will also help us build personal connections with our colleagues in Shanghai. We expect that will create UK - China opportunities for Liverpool office and the wider North West firm. Members of Liverpool Vision have already visited the offices to meet the team, and we are keen to build on these connections further during our stay in the city”.

More than 200 countries will be represented at the 184-day exhibition, which is preparing to attract 70m visitors to the site.

Liverpool’s pavilion in the Urban Best Practice Pavilion is expecting to welcome 1m people – up to 6,000 a day.