ZTE

China-based ZTE, the world’s fastest-growing telecoms equipment company, wanted to expand its European operations by setting up a base in the UK. Think London launch its London office and connected the company to essential services to help it grow.

The company

ZTE is a leading global provider of fixed line and mobile telecommunications equipment and solutions, manufacturing equipment for fixed, mobile, data and optical networks, intelligent and next generation networks and mobile phones. ZTE owns 13 R&D centres across the globe and has undertaken research partnerships with leading electronics brands including Motorola and Texas Instruments.

Aim

China-headquartered ZTE, the world’s fastest-growing telecoms equipment company, wanted to expand its European operations by setting up a base in the UK — the home of many of its major competitors. Think London helped it launch its London office, connecting the company to essential services including solicitors, insurers and accountants. Think London continues to help the company grow. 

Think London helped with:

• launching ZTE UK’s office in west London
• connecting the company to essential contacts including solicitors and insurers, finance and accountancy companies
• networking: Think London holds regular events to enable ZTE to grow and generate business  
• resolving legal, employment and work permit applications

Market factors

• the place to be: many of the world’s leading telecommunications and technology companies, including BT, Hutchinson, 3G, Vodafone, T-mobile, have bases in or close to London 
• London’s rich cultural scene  the capital’s excellent transport links, particularly access to major airports
• the capital’s excellent transport links, particularly access to major airports 

In their own words

“We chose London as it is an international city. It has excellent transportation, access to major airports, and the world’s major telecommunications companies, for example, BT, have their headquarters here. London is a hotbed of technology businesses — Hutchinson 3G, Vodafone and T-mobile also have bases close to London — making it Europe’s largest and most dynamic market.

Since we entered the UK in 2001, Think London has been taking care of us. They helped launch our office in North Finchley and recommended some consultancy companies to give us legal, employment and work permit applications advice and also introductions to finance and accountancy companies. It was very useful, because we chose London as an office base without knowing the UK very well in terms of the bigger issues, and this is where Think London was able to help us. Their continuing partnership is invaluable.

We are offered wonderful opportunities to network at regular events so we’re integrating well with the commercial and business environment. We are now considering a move to larger premises as the London office is expanding very quickly in size. We know Think London will be there with expert advice and support.

We feel welcomed, professionally and socially. And we make the most of the amazing cultural scene London has to offer, for example the cinemas, theatres, museums, and art galleries — our staff live a quality life.”

Frank Bai, Managing Director
ZTE UK

For more information about ZTE, please visit www.zte.com.cn

To watch our client interview with ZTE, please click here