Export Week aiming to open doors to business across globe

A REGION-wide drive to open global trading doors to North West companies is behind a series of events staged by UK Trade and Investment during Export Week.

The campaign to help businesses to start selling overseas or to increase their international trade takes place with a raft of events organised from Monday November 9 to Friday November 13.

UKTI North West and its partners have organised five keynote events which are: Spotlight on Asia Pacific at Best Western Castle Green, Kendal on November 9, with the focus on opportunities in Hong Kong, China and Japan, with speakers from Cumbria LEP Board, Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Lancaster University as well as case studies from businesses who have already experienced success in the region.
 
Spotlight on India at Baker Tilly in Preston on November 10 will involve discussions of export opportunities in key sectors in India – with speakers from the UK India Business Council, company case studies and Baker Tilly and a live link with RSM experts in India.
 
On November 11, the Spotlight on Middle East event at the Heath Business & Technical Park in Runcorn with go ahead, focusing on UAE and Saudi Arabia with speakers including UKTI’s North West consultant on strategic alliances, company case studies, UK Export Finance as well as feedback on previous sector missions.
 
The Royal Park Hotel in Cheshire will host the Spotlight on Africa event on November 12. Speakers include Guy Warrington, from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and Ross Alexander, executive director of Africa Matters. Both will discuss how business can grow in Africa, one of the world’s most dynamic business regions with growth rates of up to 8%, a population of more than a billion and $2 trillion collective GDP.

The event will explore legal finance, culture and language of the region, and offer the opportunity to ask any questions with regards to business etiquette.
 
The week comes to a close with the Explore Export event at Old Trafford Football Stadium on November 13 from 8.30am to 4pm, at which market specialists from around the world who are experts in their chosen countries will help businesses take their first or next step in exporting.

More than 50 UKTI commercial officers and British Chamber of Commerce representatives from upwards of 40 global markets will offer detailed export advice to a wide variety of UK based companies.
 
There are also a range of showcase and partner events North West businesses can attend.
 
HMRC is holding three live webinars throughout the week. During the hour long sessions attendees can ask questions throughout the presentation and get answers from the HMRC host.
 
Clive Drinkwater, regional director for UKTI North West, said: “Export Week is an ideal opportunity for companies to learn more about international trade opportunities, and the support available to help them fulfil their exporting ambitions. Whether a newcomer or an existing exporter looking to expand, the week offers something for everyone and we look forward to welcoming you.
 
“The countdown is on to the start of the first event on November 9, but there’s still time to book places and join us. In past Export Weeks I have been delighted by the enthusiasm and commitment to growth shown by businesses in the region – and I’m confident this will be the biggest and best Export Week yet.
 
“Exporting helps companies to grow, and taking those initial steps to find out more can prove invaluable. UKTI and our partners in the North West are determined to help local companies succeed in the global race. We’re already working with thousands of companies across the region to do just that – we want to help a great many more.”

For more information about Export Week and to book a place at a local event, log onto the website at www.exportweek.ukti.gov.uk and click on the North West programme. There are contact details within for each individual event.

Close