ONE Year after China’s biggest publishing company set up their UK Head Office in Essex, they start new business venture in the county

In April 2012, China’s biggest publishing company, Phoenix Publishing & Media Group, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Essex County Council (ECC) to set up its UK Headquarters in Essex and they established Phoenix Media International (London) Ltd in June. The company with a £1.8 billion turnover has announced their purchase the former 61 bed Travelodge on the A414 in Epping in June 2013.

Plans for the newly named ‘Phoenix Epping Hotel’ include a complete refurbishment as well as the purchase and re-fit of the adjacent Little Chef. This will be turned into an authentic Mainland Chinese restaurant serving specialities of Jiangsu Province.

Essex County Councillor Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Infrastructure commented: “Essex has shared a 25 year relationship with Jiangsu and this was a decisive factor in Phoenix choosing Essex for its investment. The purchase of this hotel is yet another example of investment in the county from China and Jiangsu, all made possible through our workings and relationship with them. I am delighted we were able to help them in the purchase of the premises and look forward to the redevelopment and opening”.

Mr Chen Haiyan, Chairman of Phoenix Publishing Media Group commented: “Phoenix Media International (London) Ltd is the bridgehead of the Phoenix Group’s international expansion in Essex. In the spring of 2013, we formalised the new strategic goal to enter the forefront of international enterprises. Therefore, we will steadily expand the range of business in PPM International’s company in order to build the international forefront of the Phoenix Group. To purchase of the Phoenix Epping Hotel is part of our business expansion and we look forward to establishing it as the Chinese-British cultural exchange base as well as support our Jiangsu – Essex partnership.”

Mr George Kieffer, Chairman of Visit Essex commented: “Tourism brings in on average £3billion per year to the Essex economy and The Phoenix Epping Hotel will now help contribute to this figure. We are delighted to have seen further investment from Phoenix and hope to see the organisation go from strength to strength as we support them during their development and opening.”

The premises which will see works begin in the next few weeks, has been purchased with a view to boost tourism in the county from China. The hotel will continue to serve its existing clientele but along with regular visitors, Phoenix will be bringing in many delegations from Chinese schools, businesses as well as tourists from Jiangsu. This addition of the groups of Chinese businesses, students and tourists will see ECC along with Visit Essex, the county’s tourism organisation, coordinate a programmes of activity in order to maximise their spend in the county. The new hotel will also include new conference and seminar facilities and Phoenix’s aim is for the hotel to become a focus for Essex-Jiangsu cultural and business exchanges.

Councillor Bentley continues: “The business of your standard Travelodge is to accommodate passing businessmen, wedding guests and weekend visitors. Phoenix will be catering to these clients but in addition both ECC and Visit Essex will now be able to work closely with Phoenix to arrange for these delegations to lengthen their stay in the county by arranging tourist visits for them to local attractions and shops. This new investment has saved jobs in the hotel, boosted our trade and tourism links with China, and further strengthened our links with Phoenix, with Jiangsu and with the people of China.”