UKTI to boost NW team after funding fillip
MORE Government funding announced last week in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement will allow UK Trade and Investment to increase its team of expert advisers in the region, and also to target more new exporters.
Clive Drinkwater, UKTI’s regional director for the North West, said 2013 will see added resource and effort toward growing exports from the region, with some 300 first time exporters sought for the Passport to Export scheme, which has this year seen 150 new starters.
UKTI has around 60 expert advisers around the region, and a boost to numbers will be welcomed after a number of major initiatives launched locally and nationally drove renewed interest in international trade. The extra resources will also mean UKTI can run more trade missions, particularly in fast-growing markets.
One such scheme, The Export Challenge aims to find 1,000 new exporters from the region by next April – so far the running total is nearly 600.
Mr Drinkwater said: “We are pleased with the progress towards our aspiration, but our work will not be done just by attracting 1,000 this year, we have to find 1,000 in 2013-14 and the same the year after that.
“It’s about getting the message out to as many businesses as we can that exporting is not only vital for the UK economy, but it makes companies more flexible, agile and resilient .”
He was speaking at a lunch in Cheshire for more than 30 business leaders who, as a result of their experience in international markets, have agreed to help UKTI grow not only exports from the region, but also the number of businesses trading overseas.
Mr Drinkwater wants these Export Champions to support his team’s efforts in a number of ways, such as mentoring novice exporters, acting as a contact in international locations and taking part in networking events aimed at attracting new exporters.
He said: “Basically I want to throw the kitchen sink at the region, but I need the help of the Export Champions to do this. I may not succeed in what I want to achieve, but if I do, it won’t be for a lack of effort.”
UKTI’s Export Champions are businesses from a wide range of sectors in all parts of the region. They include Lancashire wall coverings manufacturer Graham & Brown, Cumbrian scented candle firm Wax Lyrical, Lymm-based procurement specialist Chase International, Liverpool’s oldest company, lubricants firm RS Clare and Altrincham communications company BDB.
The Export Champions programme is unique to the North West.
Mr Drinkwater added: “Exports in the North West were £6.3bn last quarter, up almost £1bn since the previous quarter, and we are still experiencing growth in key markets.
“Exports to China are up by 12% compared to last year, India up 4% and Brazil up 2%. Exports to the USA from the North West are nearly £1.4bn, making this our best quarter in America since 2010, so despite the current economic climate, we are definitely bouncing back.
“The extra funding for UKTI announced in the Chancellor’s statement – an increase of £140 million over two years – reflects how important international trade is to the Government.
“Exports are vital for economic growth and we are delighted with the increased UKTI funding which will provide a further boost to help local businesses and to facilitate economic growth in the region.
