Thousands of Hong Kong nationals have chosen to settle in Solihull, near Birmingham, since the UK government introduced a new visa in the wake of a controversial Chinese security law.

Every Wednesday, a large group of Hong Kong expats gather at 852 Spaces Cafe in Solihull. They chat, play board games and practice halting English with volunteers serving hot drinks.

"We want to provide a safe and relaxed opportunity for Hong Kong people to connect," says organiser Rory Chu (pic).

"We left home, we left our friends, we left our families and we all have trauma. But we are here together to support each other."

Thousands of Hongkongers emigrated for political reasons after the Chinese government imposed its stringent national security law in 2020. The following year, the UK government changed its policy for those with British National Overseas (BNO) status, extending opportunities to live and work in the UK.

According to a report for Hongkongers in Britain, sizeable communities, external have since clustered around London, Reading, Manchester and Birmingham, totalling about 180,000 people. The local council estimates between 4,500 and 5,000 have been drawn to Solihull.

Former banker Joey Tam, 42, chose the borough for its schools and low crime rate. "We've got a daughter who's 14," she says.

"The whole education system is very different here. It's more relaxed. In Hong Kong it's very tense, a lot of homework, a lot of exams."

The council has employed a dedicated worker, external to help recent arrivals with essentials such as housing, healthcare and job-hunting. Solihull's Methodist Church, UK Welcomes Refugees, Be Water and West Midlands Hongkongers are among other organisations offering local support.

Despite previously studying in the UK, Joey has struggled to find work and is grateful for the council's advice. "It is an obstacle for Hongkongers to find the jobs we were doing," she says.

Joanne has had more luck, picking up seasonal contracts in shops. "Solihull Council helped me do the practice before so I learn about interview technique and dress code," she says.

"I think this is very good start for me to have work experience in the UK." With 12-hour days the norm back home, she finds British working life more laid-back.

"In the UK even the manager is very casual," she says. "I really love this culture."

Nearby, the Black Orange café has introduced residents to crispy buns and Hong Kong-style milk tea. Owners Amy Chen and Marcus Lee first settled in Birmingham but chose Solihull as a more affordable place to set up shop.

Amy also likes the area's soft water. "It's better," she says. "For drinking and for maintenance."

Previously a flight attendant, she started a business after realising British salaries were lower than those at home. She and Marcus worked part-time in local coffee shops to learn the ropes and perfected latte art from YouTube.

"We spent a lot on milk," she smiles. She is also perfecting the art of patience.

"Local people tend to work in a very relaxed way but in Hong Kong we are very pushy. We do everything chop chop."

Amy estimates about 60% of the café customers are British: "I wasn't quite sure if they would like our flavours, but they do."