Surviving and Thriving as an SME in China

Small and medium-sized enterprises make up more than 99 per cent of registered companies worldwide and account for the vast majority of employment in both Europe and China. Agile and entrepreneurial, SMEs are often better positioned than large companies to adapt quickly to market challenges; yet, they are also more vulnerable to regulatory complexity, economic slowdowns, and rising competition.

In China, many foreign SMEs survive and grow by identifying a clear niche and/or rapidly adapting to market shifts, tailoring their offerings accordingly. Since 2019, Beijing’s international business community has become smaller, and the number of foreign SMEs has declined. While their economic footprint may be more modest than in home markets, foreign SMEs continue to add diversity, innovation and character to the city’s business ecosystem, often punching above their weight.

The business-led seminar Surviving and Thriving as an SME in China organised with the British Chamber of Commerce in China and the EU SME Centre brings together SME founders and managers from digital transformation, tourism, advanced manufacturing and food and beverage for an experience-driven panel discussion. Panellists Dominic De Couto, Mila Perchinkova, Tom Van Dillen, and Susanne Zhang-Pongratz will share candid insights from their own journeys, including reflections on AI adoption, changing consumer behaviour and the experience economy.

The evening also offers a relaxed opportunity to mingle with fellow entrepreneurs, exchange battle stories and reconnect with the wider SME community. The ticket includes one complimentary beverage and canapés.

Agenda

Speakers

Dominic De Couto

Dominic De Couto is the founder of Our Beijing, an experience-based SME built around local culture, adventure and community. Having spent 8 years in Beijing & over 6 of those building business in China’s evolving SME landscape, he focuses on adaptability, niche positioning and the experience economy as tools for long-term survival and growth. He brings a grounded, operator’s perspective on navigating change while keeping human connection at the centre, using AI behind the scenes to support scale and resilience.

Mila Perchinkova

Mila Perchinkova, based in Beijing, China, is currently a Bid Manager | Business development at EIBENS. Mila Perchinkova brings experience from previous roles at Salience Consulting, FEROINVEST DOO and ArcelorMittal. Mila Perchinkova holds a 2020 – 2023 Executive MBA in Finance, General @ The University of Sheffield

Tom Van Dillen

• With more than 20 years of experience, Tom Van Dillen has spearheaded many digital and organisational transformation projects for multinational companies and organisations.
• He leads “Greenkern”, a Transformation Consultancy Group focusing on the Chinese market.
• Greenkern is a long-term consultancy partner of Positive Thinking Company in China.
• Greenkern’s client list includes BMW, Coca-Cola, Volkswagen, Siemens, Bugatti, Philips,… and fresh start-ups.
• Focusing on innovation, organisational transformation, global brand management, and the dynamics of the Chinese consumer

Susanne Zhang-Pongratz

Susanne Zhang-Pongratz is CEO of Getzner Materials Co. Ltd. In her role, she has been responsible for the operational business and strategic direction of Getzner Werkstoffe in China and Hong Kong since 2017. Getzner is the leading specialist in vibration isolation and shock protection, used in applications such as railway lines, construction, and industry.

Prior to Getzner, Susanne served as Chief Representative at the Raiffeisen Bank International AG Zhuhai Representative Office. Susanne has a BA in Oriental Studies from the University Ca’ Foscari in Venice, and an MBA on Finance from the Edinburgh Business School.