Online export surgeries with overseas embassy staff launched for region’s businesses

A series of online export surgeries, which will enable companies from the region to speak to advisers based in British Embassies or Chambers of Commerce across the world about the potential for exporting, have been launched.

Local companies wanting to know if their goods or services could sell overseas will be able to discuss the opportunities during the sessions.

Organised by West Midlands Chambers of Commerce’s ERDF SME International Growth project, the Meet the Market sessions will enable ambitious companies to speak to commercial advisers.

There are five online sessions available this month, each of which provides the opportunity to book one-to-one appointments with embassy staff in Germany, Chile, Switzerland, Austria and France.

Companies based in the West Midlands, Staffordshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Shropshire are eligible.

Andy Smith, international relationships manager for SME International Growth Project, said: “One of the best parts of exporting is the chance to travel the world, growing your business while you’re at it.

“While visiting a market and meeting face to face is one of the best ways to develop a successful business relationship, we understand this isn’t always possible.

“It’s why we are working with our contacts based at British Embassies to enable businesses to assess the local demand for their products or services using easily available technology, which is easy to set up and can be conducted anywhere with internet access.”