Best of the British to go fully virtual this year

The Best of the British 2020, an exhibition that aims to help British brands enter the national market, is accessible through live streaming through Dec 10 during the British Brand Week.

Co-organized by Media 10 Star, the British Consulate-General Shanghai, the Department of International Trade, and the China- Britain Business Council, this year's event will feature more than 50 brands spread across five sections, including food and drink, fashion and style, beauty and care, home and gifts, and education and British lifestyle.

Themed "Green Lifestyle", the showcase will take place virtually on live streaming platforms due to the epidemic situation. The exhibition is expected to attract 8,000 professional buyers.

More than 60 percent of the brands are entering China for the first time, according to the exhibition organizer.

"Our expectation from this event is that the platform will create an opportunity for British brands and businesses of all sizes to find their trade partners here in China," said Kiran Patel, Senior Director of China- Britain Business Council.

Patel noted that running an online exhibition has been logistically challenging.

"Ultimately, there's no substitute for being physically behind the stand and showcasing your wares. On the other hand, there's no better way to raise brand awareness, footprint and exposure than through live streaming" said Patel, who hopes that next year's exhibition will be held online and offline.