Export Week offers firms help boosting overseas business
FIRMS in the West Midlands looking to boost their overseas trade have been urged to take part in events lined up for Export Week.
Support body UK Trade & Investment has teamed up with partners and business organisations to arrange a series of events during the week-long campaign, which starts on November 12.
The Government-led initiative is part of a plan to increase the number of British exporters by roughly a quarter. If the level was achieved, the Government believes around £36bn could be added to the UK economy.
Doug Mahoney, Regional Director for UK Trade & Investment in the West Midlands, said: “The past year has been full of challenges for the region’s companies but there are still plenty of opportunities for West Midlands firms to grow through exports.
“Virtually any business can export its products and services – from single-owner operations, to large corporations employing hundreds. Last year more than 1,375 West Midlands companies took advantage of the wide range of support services available through UKTI, but we can do better.
“We hope Export Week will inspire and encourage regional firms to take up the Export for Growth challenge. I would urge any company who may be thinking of taking the first steps into exporting, to come along to one of our events and find out how we can help.”
Trade Minister Lord Green said a focus on international trade had seen exports grow by 10.5% during the period 2010 to 2011, with more companies targeting developing markets.
Highlights of the West Midlands week include the Explore Export event, which takes place at Edgbaston cricket stadium on November 15, where experts from 68 overseas markets will be on hand to provide bespoke advice about trading both with traditional international partners and with high-growth markets.
The Supporting Women Led Businesses to Excel in International Trade event, which takes place at Birmingham University on November 16, aims to encourage more female entrepreneurs to target export markets.
The programme of events for Export Week includes:
Monday November 12 – UKTI Intermediaries Summit
10am – 12pm, Hall 8, International Convention Centre, Birmingham.
This free event is aimed at intermediaries working in the West Midlands. Speakers include Crispin Simon, Managing Director of UKTI responsible for SMEs and Doug Mahoney, UKTI West Midlands Regional Director. Topics include opportunities in the global market place, current trading trends and how they affect regional companies; a Q&A panel session and a networking brunch.
Tuesday November 13 – UKTI Client Summit
10am – 12.30pm, Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham.
This free event has been designed for businesses working with UKTI West Midlands on the Passport to Export or Gateway to Global Growth programmes. There will be an opportunity to meet with a wide variety of people and organisations from the public and private sectors that can help businesses grow. Also present will be representatives from UKTI’s network of International Trade Advisers, including the region’s new Export Finance expert.
Wednesday November 14 – Bribery Act 2010 and Cyber Security Seminar
9.30am – 12.30pm, Royal Bank of Scotland, 2 St Philips Place, Birmingham.
This is aimed at helping businesses overcome legal difficulties associated with overseas trade. UKTI has partnered with RBS for the event, which is chaired by Stourbridge MP Margot James, to help companies understand the serious threats posed by these two issues. Experts in the relevant fields will provide the information firms need to protect themselves.
Thursday November 15 – Explore Export Event
8am – 4pm, Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham.
This event is designed to offer experienced and novice exporters help to explore valuable new business opportunities. UKTI experts from 68 countries will be on hand to provide advice at pre-arranged, one to one meetings with delegates. Local UKTI trade advisors will also be advising inexperienced exporters on getting started.
UKTI said the event was due to attract around 200 delegates from across the region and it was unusual for businesses to get the opportunity to meet so many international experts in one place.
Friday November 16 – Supporting Women Led Business to Excel in International Trade
10am – 1pm, The Nicholson Building, Winterbourne House, Birmingham University.
This event, presented by UKTI West Midlands and Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, is designed to encourage women-led businesses to export.
Following opening addresses from Louise Bennett, Chief Executive of Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and Solihull MP Lorely Burt; there will be talks from two women from businesses already trading successfully overseas – Delia Goldsby, of Freestyle Interactive, Warwickshire and Pat Freshwater, of Global Flood Defences, Worcestershire.
There will also be a session on ‘How to get paid – finance for exporting’, led by UKTI finance expert Phil Potter; a session on the opportunities available in Ireland, a Q&A expert panel, and finally, a networking lunch.
For more information on the events, visit www.uktiwestmidlands.eventbrite.co.uk or call 0845 0743515.
