Former police chief Steve Vickers of International Risk says Hong Kong is an important bridge between Western and Chinese  companies

Steve Vickers, president and CEO of International Risk Limited, arrived in Hong Kong in 1974 to join the then Royal Hong Kong Police. As commander of the Criminal Investigation Bureau he reached the rank of senior superintendent. In 1992, after 18 years with the police force, he entered the private sector as executive managing director and regional head of Asia for a leading US- listed company in the risk mitigation field. In 2000, he established International Risk Ltd on behalf of an international NASDAQ-listed accounting firm and two years later led a successful management buy-out of the company. With offices in Hong Kong, Beijing, Tokyo and a New York office due to open in June, Mr Vickers is responsible for the company's strategic direction and operations both in Asia and beyond.

"Hong Kong is Airstrip One for our entire operation, linking to the rest of the world and in particular the Chinese mainland. While 75 per cent of our business is conducted outside of the SAR, we find Hong Kong is quite simply the best place to base our operation and to liaise with our network of specialists located in regional and global offices.

Hong Kong's sophisticated communications facilities, transport systems and uncomplicated tax formalities, plus a well educated workforce that is used to dealing with the different business styles of both Western and Chinese enterprises, provide a significant competitive advantage. Hong Kong is that important middle bridge for developing successful relationships between Western and Chinese companies.

When we undertook the management buy-out, we literally reinvented the company within a matter of weeks. You can do that in Hong Kong. In many other places we would still be talking about it. It's a great credit to Hong Kong, the people and the efficient and reliable systems that are firmly in place. For example, Hong Kong has had 150 years of common law and enjoys a strong reputation for financial stability and integrity. This provides confidence to the many financial institutions, both large and small, and the multinationals that are based here.

Comprehensive business solutions

Hong Kong also has the ability to draw on a wide range of local and international specialists and professionals to deliver a comprehensive range of business solutions. In a global business environment where complex legal, regulatory, social and ethical considerations exist, this is an important factor. By tapping into these skills, International Risk is able to offer an around-the-clock, 365 days-a-year, one-stop range of business solutions and other related services.

We help companies to develop clear aims and expectations of how their business should operate, and assist them when selecting suitable partners, suppliers and distributors. In the case of joint ventures in the mainland, we set out a programme of due diligence, management responsibilities and controls so that misunderstandings and unforeseen problems can usually be avoided. Prevention is a far more cost effective measure than cure.

We also help companies by providing them with a comprehensive independent assessment of their operations and advice on forming strategic alliances. This has helped International Risk to establish a proven track record for independence and insight that benefits our clients by providing them with critical information and timely solutions.

Following China's entry into the WTO, an increasing number of smaller companies from all over the globe are pursuing business opportunities in the mainland. These companies may not have the resources to fully explore the full business potential, regulatory compliance or the employment culture. We help them to avoid pitfalls by carrying out multi-sourced sector specific analyses before market entry. From this process "signposts" emerge and these are subsequently examined through various lenses, such as key people, industrial yardsticks or competitor companies. Through having access to accurate timely information, such as supply chain evaluation, or the right partner, companies are in a much stronger position to make strategic business decisions.

After almost 30 years of living and working in Hong Kong I still find it an exciting, buzzing place where it is easy to network and friends are incredibly loyal. Because Hong Kong people have such an international outlook, any social or business gathering is certain to be interesting. That old saying Hong Kong is a place where people work hard and play hard really does apply - it's my kind of town."

Related link:
International Risk Ltd www.intl-risk.com