UKTI offers Sutton Coldfield firms help exporting
SUTTON COLDFIELD firms targeting new export markets are being urged to attend a free event in the town organised by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).
Taking place at the Town Hall on Friday September 5, between 8 and 10am, the ‘Go Global’ event will be the first of its kind held in the area.
First-time exporters and companies looking to expand into new markets will learn more about opportunities which may exist in overseas markets. They will hear first-hand from a successful local exporter, Care Monitoring 2000 Ltd, which provides electronic monitoring, scheduling and financial management systems to the homecare sector.
Peter Longman, CEO at the firm said: “The input from UKTI has been exemplary and really helped identify any potential issues whilst trading in a foreign market.”
Also speaking at the event will be Paul Noon, Regional Director, UKTI West Midlands, who said a first-hand account from a successful exporter was always a useful guide for firms looking to take their first tentative steps into international trade.
Clevtec, another successful local exporter, will also be passing on the benefit of its experiences.
The business distributes and manufactures brake and clutch rivets plus brake shoe riveting machines for light commercial vehicles. Exports now make up around 80% of the firm’s turnover.
Karl Love, Clevtec General Manager, said participating in UKTI’s Passport to Export had been useful in securing a toehold into new markets abroad.
“We knew there were opportunities for us abroad. We were given support, advice, direction as well as match-funded grants that took the uncertainty out of exporting, and there was always someone to talk to should we need any help. Exports now make up the vast majority of our turnover, and we export to the Middle East, Canada, India, Turkey, Poland, Russia, and Europe,” he said.
He added that UKTI’s Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS) report had helped the firm secure two new customers in markets it was finding it tough to break into – Scandinavia and Russia.
The firm’s export growth has now seen it acquire a second manufacturing plant.
“We would have struggled to gain the relevant knowledge and contacts in such a short amount of time, and expand overseas in the way that we have without them (UKTI). Not only have we made contacts that are essential to the growth of Clevtec, but also, on a personal note, I feel I’ve made friends as well,” said Love.
“Anyone thinking about expanding and looking at exporting for the first time, or if you are currently exporting but want to grow that side of the business, I cannot stress enough the benefits of contacting UKTI.”
Also attending will be the MP for Sutton Coldfield Andrew Mitchell, who initiated the event.
