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This is Essex --
THE managing director of an Essex golf course design company is hoping that a new £140,000 international contract will help to putt his firm on the map.
William Swan is delighted after Willingale-based Swan Golf Designs was commissioned to design an 18-hole traditional course in the Chinese holiday hotspot of Mile.
He secured the contract with help from Government export body UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).
Mr Swan, the third generation owner of the firm, said this week: "Interest in golf continues to spread from the traditional heartlands of the UK, Western Europe and USA, across to Asia.
"China has certainly caught the bug. Having previously favoured American-style resort courses, an opportunity exists to design a more traditional, British style of course in China.
"Scotland is the home of golf, and the UK is recognised as having some of the finest and most challenging layouts as seen at the Open Championship.
"There are currently less than 1,000 golf courses in China, compared to around 3,000 in the UK.
"With the number of golfers in China projected to grow to 20 million by 2020 there will be demand for many more courses, and we are aiming to ensure that British golf design is well represented."
The firm was originally set up by William's grandfather, Alex Swan, a landscaper whose professional interest in golf was sparked by his friendship with the three-time British Open champion Sir Henry Cotton.
The company now operates from its base in Essex, but travels extensively to projects on four continents.
Mr Swan continued: "We have designed golf courses around the world, from the USA and India to Russia and Brazil.
"China is a relatively new market for us and we hope this contract will be a springboard to many more."
Mr Swan worked with UKTI international trade adviser Simon Fennelly throughout the process.
Mr Fennelly said: "Brand Britain is strong.
"From the Olympics to The Open, other countries are looking to the UK when it comes to sporting infrastructure.
"I'm delighted by the success of Swan Golf Designs and I hope to be able to continue to support them and help them win further contracts across China, alongside exploring the other burgeoning markets across Asia such as South Korea and Japan."
The firm have been on UKTI's Passport to Export and Gateway to Global Growth programmes and undertaken market research using UKTI programme OMIS.
Mr Swan added: "Simon, and UKTI have helped us tremendously – from assisting us to exhibit at international trade shows to support with a market visit to Tanzania.
"We also had help to organise a drinks reception at the British Embassy in Delhi, and support for sourcing good business contacts in China."
Construction is scheduled to begin in late 2013, with an anticipated opening during 2015. Reported by This is 19 hours ago.
Clik here to view.
This is Essex --THE managing director of an Essex golf course design company is hoping that a new £140,000 international contract will help to putt his firm on the map.
William Swan is delighted after Willingale-based Swan Golf Designs was commissioned to design an 18-hole traditional course in the Chinese holiday hotspot of Mile.
He secured the contract with help from Government export body UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).
Mr Swan, the third generation owner of the firm, said this week: "Interest in golf continues to spread from the traditional heartlands of the UK, Western Europe and USA, across to Asia.
"China has certainly caught the bug. Having previously favoured American-style resort courses, an opportunity exists to design a more traditional, British style of course in China.
"Scotland is the home of golf, and the UK is recognised as having some of the finest and most challenging layouts as seen at the Open Championship.
"There are currently less than 1,000 golf courses in China, compared to around 3,000 in the UK.
"With the number of golfers in China projected to grow to 20 million by 2020 there will be demand for many more courses, and we are aiming to ensure that British golf design is well represented."
The firm was originally set up by William's grandfather, Alex Swan, a landscaper whose professional interest in golf was sparked by his friendship with the three-time British Open champion Sir Henry Cotton.
The company now operates from its base in Essex, but travels extensively to projects on four continents.
Mr Swan continued: "We have designed golf courses around the world, from the USA and India to Russia and Brazil.
"China is a relatively new market for us and we hope this contract will be a springboard to many more."
Mr Swan worked with UKTI international trade adviser Simon Fennelly throughout the process.
Mr Fennelly said: "Brand Britain is strong.
"From the Olympics to The Open, other countries are looking to the UK when it comes to sporting infrastructure.
"I'm delighted by the success of Swan Golf Designs and I hope to be able to continue to support them and help them win further contracts across China, alongside exploring the other burgeoning markets across Asia such as South Korea and Japan."
The firm have been on UKTI's Passport to Export and Gateway to Global Growth programmes and undertaken market research using UKTI programme OMIS.
Mr Swan added: "Simon, and UKTI have helped us tremendously – from assisting us to exhibit at international trade shows to support with a market visit to Tanzania.
"We also had help to organise a drinks reception at the British Embassy in Delhi, and support for sourcing good business contacts in China."
Construction is scheduled to begin in late 2013, with an anticipated opening during 2015. Reported by This is 19 hours ago.