Call to business leaders to attend Exporting is GREAT events

THE North West boss of the Government body which aims to help businesses export has sent a call to the region’s company chiefs to attend a special programme of events next week.

UKTI regional director Clive Drinkwater is encouraging businesses looking to grow overseas to explore Exporting is GREAT week’s series of practical expert advice and support sessions from Monday (April 18) to Friday (April 22).

UKTI North West, its partners and corporate organisations are together staging a range of events during the week to open global trading doors for businesses. More than 300 delegates are expected to take part in events from Penrith to Liverpool.

The North West’s Exporting is GREAT week events include: Opportunity Africa in partnership with the Liverpool Commonwealth Association (Tuesday 19th) which will provide attendees an opportunity to understand more about business in Africa.

Speakers include Lord Marland, chair of the Commonwealth Enterprise & Investment Council and Cllr Gary Millar, chair of Liverpool Commonwealth Association as well as a number of High Commissioners representing a variety of African countries, who will share their knowledge of trading within the continent.

Then there is Day visit to Dublin (Thursday 20th). This visit aims to introduce novice and newer exporters to the principles of international trade as well as highlighting the opportunities and challenges that a company may face whilst doing business in Ireland.
 
UKTI North West will also be hosting stands at the Business Rocks exhibition in Manchester on April 21 and 22 and the CIM Northern Conference on April 21, also in Manchester.

Chambers of Commerce in Cumbria, Liverpool and Manchester together with the Federation of Small Businesses will also be holding events throughout the week for potential exporters.

Drinkwater said: “Starting exporting is one of the most transformative things any business can do.
 
“Exporters are more productive, more innovative, more resilient and, simply put, we need more of them.
 
“With help and support, the journey can be fun and profitable and throughout our region we’ve seen every type of North West business from craft breweries to machinery manufacturers take their first leap into exporting.
 
“That’s why I’m calling on local businesses to join us at Exporting is GREAT week from 18-22 April. With practical advice and support, we can bring your company even closer to the global demand for UK products and services, and help you rise up to the challenges and prosper.”