The University of Nottingham’s Asia Business Centre hosted a “Japan in the Midlands” Networking Reception alongside JETAA, on February 24. It was attended by 85 people including representatives from the local Japan/UK business community, JETAA members, students from the local universities and academics with an interest in Japan.
After greetings from Michèle Clarke. Assistant Pro Vice Chancellor (International) Asia, who spoke of the links between the University and Japan, Sarah Parsons, Chair of JETAA UK, who also runs her own business in the Midlands, spoke about JETAA’s links with the local business community. After that, Rob Gorton, an ex-JET now working in Corporate Planning for Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK, together with Keiichi Hasegawa gave an insightful presentation on Toyota’s history, their activities in the East Midlands and around the globe plus future plans. This was followed by Hiro Koito from Koito Europe Ltd. who talked about their relationship with Toyota and their global and local activities. Kentaro Sato from Aisin Europe Ltd, also a supplier to TMUK, spoke about Aisin’s products and activities as well as advertising an upcoming job working for them suitable for a Japanese speaker. It was fascinating to hear about the close relationship between the three companies and to meet other local Japanese businesses represented at the event.
From left to right, Jason Feehily, Director, Asia Business Centre, Kentaro Sato, Aisin Europe Ltd., Hiro Koito, Koito Europe Ltd., Rob Gorton, TMUK, Sarah Parsons, JETAA UK/Japan in Perspective, Michèle Clarke, University of Nottingham, Keiichi Hasegawa, TMUK.
We then had some valuable networking time, where we were treated to Green Tea tasting by an ex-JET Tom Furniss, who has set up his own company in the Midlands called Hiromi Ltd and a Japanese buffet, which was supplied by local Japanese caterers Goma Deli.
It was a fantastic evening and on behalf of JETAA UK, we would like to express our greatest thanks to the Asia Business Centre for hosting this event, to all the speakers and to the members of the East Midlands Japanese Association, who supported this event by supplying speakers and publicising it amongst their members.
Everyone really benefited from the chance to network and find out about JETAA’s activities and Japanese companies in the Midlands. It was also a great chance to promote the JET Programme to the students and companies there.
