Register now for key export event
BUSINESSES have just a few days left to register for a key export event, which will showcase opportunites for small firms in Europe.
The North West Export Challenge: The Next Steps workshop takes place next Thursday at the Midland Hotel, Manchester.
The free event, organised by UK Trade & Investment North West, offers a unique opportunity for businesses to meet expert International Trade Directors from more than 10 European countries who will offer inside information on the current opportunities, and advice on how best to formulate an export strategy.
The event is part of the North West Export Challenge initiative, which intends to encourage more small businesses to take their products to overseas markets, with a target of helping 1,000 businesses in the region either begin their export journey or expand into new markets in 2012.
SMEs are essential to this challenge, but evidence suggests that too few British SMEs export or are part of exporting supply chains.
Among the markets under discussion are the Nordic and Baltic states. International Trade experts Christina Liaos and Indro Palek will be leading workshops to discuss the great opportunities for UK companies looking to export there.
The Nordic region of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden is bigger than France and Germany combined and is home to global brands such as Nokia, Carlsberg, Statoil and Ericsson.
International Trade Director Christina Liaos will be leading a workshop at the event to discuss current opportunities in rail projects – with the biggest opportunity being the proposed link between Denmark and Germany, energy, mining and shipping, and also healthcare and construction opportunities with the building of a new hospital infrastructure.
The Baltics – Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania – are also a good market for companies new to export, being a relatively easy market in which to do business. As well as a young, well-educated, and innovative labour force, the Baltics boast good geographical links, a favourable tax environment, and stable political and economic situations for British businesses wanting to explore opportunities.
Clive Drinkwater, regional director for UKTI North West says: “The most successful exporters are usually the ones that take time to plan their entry into new markets and understand how their products or services will fit in.
“This is a great opportunity to meet international trade directors face-to-face to discuss in detail anything from legislation, distribution, competitor activity and sector trends, and we would urge businesses to get in touch as soon as possible to register for what will be a very popular event.”
The North West Export Challenge: The Next Steps takes place on Thursday 8th March at the Midland Hotel, Manchester M60 2DS from 1.15pm to 5.00pm. To register for the event contact diane.smedley@ukti.gsi.gov.uk 01925 864591
