Name: Ian Burns
From:  Teeside
Living in: Qingdao and Beijing

“Working in independent publishing in China has been a fascinating challenge, providing equal opportunities for both innovation and frustration”

Ian first came to China in 1994 to assist with a technology transfer for Qi-Tech, now called Hexagon Metrology, a manufacturer of quality control measuring machines and the first Sino-European joint venture in the metrology sector. Although he fell victim to a joke played by his translator on his first night in China, humiliating himself in front of 50 employees, his original short-term secondment was extended, and when he finally left China in 1995 he couldn't wait for an opportunity to return. A year later, he did, and worked in both Beijing and Qingdao, before leaving in 2003 as Deputy General Manager.

Following his success with Hexagon, and after completing a degree with a business school in Beijing and Shanghai, Ian was keen to test himself and spend more time with his son, by starting his own business, Redstar Media. The company publishes Redstar Magazine and local pocket city guides, targeting the English-speaking community in Qingdao and other cities in China with bilingual listings for both locals and visitors.

Redstar allows Ian to indulge in his love for the arts by staging a variety of events including concerts, comedy, open mic nights and exhibitions. His annual music festival, MAX, combines bands from the UK with local performers and attracts audiences of up to 3,000. When he invited jazz violinist Jenny Scheinman to Qingdao, it allowed him to re-invigorate Qingdao's ageing concert hall.

Ian is also interested in helping to develop a sailing culture in Qingdao and China. He is the local representative for Clipper Ventures, a British organisation for round the world sailing and started a joint venture to launch Redsail magazine, the first bilingual grassroots guide to sailing to be published in China. During the Olympics, Ian was heavily involved with the British Olympic Sailing Team and received official recognition from the city government for his services to Qingdao in the run-up to the games.

His personal life revolves around Max, who will be 6 and starts school this year. He recently moved from Qingdao to Beijing to allow Max to attend school and maintain his Chinese fluency.