Whistlestop tour of export from UKTI

AMBITION is a key factor for exporting, according to businesses who have transitioned into export, and lived to tell the tale.

From deciding to go for it, to growing your business once it is established abroad, the UKTI event as part of the Government’s Exporting is GREAT week showcased exporters and educated a packed audience on the benefits and challenges of international trade.

Mark Robson, regional director at the UKTI started the ball rolling at the event earlier this week, the big question of course being: Why export?

Higher profits, increased innovation, reduced exposure to risk as well as higher margins and access to growing economies are all factors in making the decision, he said, and launching your presence abroad is now easier than ever with the growth of digital and ecommerce.

“Keep it simple,” said Mr Robson, “Exporting isn’t difficult, it’s just different.”

Following his ‘whistlestop tour’ of exporting, Verity Britton, a founder of wool and knits business Baa Ram Ewe took to the stage.

“We’re planning to take over the world,” she said, “from Chapel Allerton.”

The move from an SME retailer in the suburbs of Leeds to commercial production and export worldwide was a “ballsy” move by anyone’s standards.

With 7 employees, she said that a major portion of our £500,000 turnover

“The mistakes we made are the most useful. We learnt a lot of things the hard way and there are a lot of misconceptions about export.”

1. It’s not just for the big boys.“It’s an economical decision. For us we wanted to sell one product to many rather than develop loads of products. Having a strong brand and marketing presence helps, however small or large you are.”

2. DIY or distribute? “We had a nightmare finding a distributor. By their nature they want to sell lots of products, but finding a good distributor is the challenge.” Ms Britton said: “We ran US distribution, and if you are wanting to export to Canada or the US, I would recommend a distributor.” But she did recommend that SMEs and those new to exporting would be better off trading within the EU.

3. Ask and you shall receive. “We’re not ashamed to say when we don’t know something. Business culture means we don’t like to admit it, but if you’re open with them, they will be open with you.”

4. Be you, be different. Branding and marketing can be powerful, said Ms Britton. “The connection we have to Yorkshire and to Britain is a strong brand. Use it.”