Global resources, local ambition

Mott MacDonald, a leading global management, engineering and development consultancy, employs over 11,000 people in 140 countries serving clients in sectors ranging from transport, energy, buildings, water and the environment to health and education, industry and communications.

Mott MacDonald's work in China originally focused on aid work in education, healthcare and water treatment, and this history still shows in many of its current projects in the region, its work on water treatment across China for instance.

But in recent years, Mott MacDonald has shifted its business strategy toward private sector work in transport, power, communications and health industries, among others. With that move, the company has leveraged its experience in China to ensure success in this important market.

With 30 years of experience in China, Mott MacDonald has linked the country to the company's future.

In line with that commitment to China, current Group Chairman Mike Blackburn will assume the position of Managing Director of Chinese operations from October 2007 when his term as Chairman of the Mott MacDonald Group ends.

Mott MacDonald will link up with long-term partner Connell Wagner of Australia to conduct business in China as Mott Connell. Blackburn sees Mott Connell's approach to China as unique among its competitors and tailored to fit the needs of both Chinese nationals and the Chinese economy.

"We plan on building a business employing Chinese nationals in China. By keeping our employees up to date with global methods and practices, knowledge transfer will be tremendous and all parties involved will benefit," says Blackburn.

As an employee-owned company, Mott Connell will look to return the profit produced in China to its Chinese employees. Not only does the model encourage ongoing knowledge transfer, but also gives the company staying power and ensures long-term careers and benefits for its national employees.

Whether it is enhancing basic education in Gansu, seeking to improve water availability in Beijing or assisting with the development of the country's high speed rail lines, Mott Connell is looking toward long-term success in China. If Blackburn is successful in his mission, this success will have a local face.

"We have a great offering and we deliver a genuinely helpful product to every community we go to. The work we know how to do needs to be done. We want our Chinese national staff to do it themselves to the benefit of China and to the benefit of their own careers," he says.

www.mottmac.com

(China Daily 08/28/2007 page17)