Showman shares export expertise
COMPANIES looking to break into new markets can learn from the experience of Ultimate Products founder Simon Showman at a free business breakfast on March 29.
Mr Showman, whose £80m-turnover company currently generates around a quarter of its sales from overseas markets, has set ambitious targets to grow this to half of his company’s revenues by 2014. It trades all over the world and supplies major retailers like french supermarket giant Carrefour.
He will share his experience of exporting to markets all over the world at the event, which is being held by TheBusinessDesk.com in association with UK Trade & Investment aimed at helping the North West play its part in the export-led recovery.
He will be part of a panel offering expert tips and advice that will also include UK Trade and Investment regional director Clive Drinkwater, Katie Withers from law firm DLA Piper, Noam Handler of accountancy firm Ernst & Young and Iain Duncan from HSBC Bank.
The event aims to answer every question and concern a business might have as it prepares to enter into export markets around the world.
UKTI has set an ambitious goal of increasing the number of British companies who export from current levels of around 20% to 25% or more. This increase would add £36bn to the British economy.
Clive Drinkwater said: “The UK constitutes less than 1% of the world’s population, so for businesses to limit themselves to selling to less than 1% of this population does not seem like an ambitious plan for growth.
“Our event at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton will hopefully encourage more businesses from the region to go for it by opening up to new markets which can boost demand, productivity and jobs.”
The event is one of a series promoting The Export Challenge, which is UKTI North West’s drive to help 1,000 businesses to begin exporting in 2012.
Chris Barry, North West editor of TheBusinessdesk.com said: “We’re delighted to be working with UKTI raise awareness about the importance and value to this region of exporting. The UKTI network of international trade advisers is a fantastic resource for the region, who are there to support businesses, large and small on every step of their journey.”
Businesses interested in attending the breakfast event at the The Reebok Stadium’s Platinum Suite in Bolton on Thursday, March 29 should register with polly.kendrick@thebusinessdesk.com
