Black Country Chamber targets exporting SMEs

THE Black Country Chamber of Commerce is targeting firms looking for help to develop their exports after the business body was awarded the contract to continue delivering UKTI support to businesses in the area.

The winning bid in the West Midlands was from the West Midlands Chambers of Commerce, which is a partnership of six chambers of commerce including the Black Country. The contract has been awarded on a five-year basis which allows for future development of new ways to support businesses wishing to export.  
 
The contract win comes after the Black Country chamber was awarded the Excellence in International Trade Award at the British Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards 2014. The International Trade team has also helped local companies win £68m worth of international business in the last year which works out at an average of £2m per client.

Margaret Corneby, chief executive, Black Country Chamber of Commerce, said: “I am delighted that we will continue to deliver UKTI support to Black Country businesses that want to trade and invest overseas. This is a service we actively encourage businesses to be involved in, so they are better equipped to expand into new markets and grow their business internationally.”

Ninder Johal, Black Country Chamber of Commerce President, said: “International trade needs to become the byword for Black Country innovation. We have small manufacturers who are second to none and leading the world through the development of new technologies. The global market will not wait for them. We need to find every means necessary to remove the barriers to global expansion.”

More exporting honours for Ultraseal

COVENTRY-based Ultraseal International has scooped its second major export award in the space of 12 months.

The firm, which is the current SME Exporter of the Year in TheBusinessDesk.com Masters awards, has also scooped Exporter of the Year for the second year in a row at the Midlands Business Awards 2015.

The company, which exports to more than 35 countries worldwide, sources many of its customers from the automotive sector.

Many of the firm’s customers are automotive OEMs and Tier One suppliers as it is a recognised global leader in finding solutions to porosity in cast metal parts – a problem that can affect automotive parts.
 
Managing Director Gary Lloyd (pictured), who picked up the latest award at a ceremony in Birmingham, said: “To win this award for the second year running, given the tough competition, is indeed a major achievement.
 
“I feel very proud of the ongoing team performance that has resulted in this well-deserved recognition – both in Coventry and overseas.”
Ultraseal designs and manufactures Vacuum Impregnation equipment and porosity sealants that together provide a permanent and reliable solution to porosity in cast metal parts.

Staffordshire SMEs continue to do well

SMEs in Staffordshire are continuing to do well with many firms reporting strong sales in home and export markets, the county’s chamber of commerce has said.

The business organisation said there was increasing optimism among many firms, with companies forecasting an increase in turnover and profitability.

The optimism follows latest British Chambers of Commerce figures which show the organisation upgrading its UK GDP growth forecast for the next two years from 2.6% to 2.7% in 2015, and 2.4% to 2.6% in 2016.

The positive attitude has been fuelled by stronger than expected growth in household consumption and services.

Commenting on the figures, Jane Gratton, Deputy Chief Executive of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce (pictured) said: “There is no room for complacency. The UK economy is still a long way from achieving the sustainable, long-term growth businesses would like to see. Staffordshire firms face considerable uncertainty, including global tensions and a stagnating Eurozone, all of which could have a long term effect on UK trade and exports.

“This, coupled with the most wide open UK general election in decades, means businesses must remain focused on their strengths.  

“The next government also has a role in helping firms remain competitive, encouraging investment and innovation and reducing the tax and regulatory burden.”