World Trade Centre Hull & Humber launches next phase

A CAMPAIGN to build on recent international trade gains is to be launched by World Trade Centre Hull & Humber as it moves into its second year.

Markets to be targeted include those in Brazil, China, the Baltics, the Nordic countries, North America, India, the Gulf and the European ‘hinterland’, covering parts of Holland and Germany.

Andy Mowbray, the centre’s manager, said that it was moving into a new startegic phase after establishing the centre as the “catalyst” for putting the Humber region on the global stage.

“At the same time, we have opened up many exciting possibilities for local businesses to enter new markets or enhance their overseas operations and have strongly promoted the region as a good place to do business,” he said.

“This has been achieved during a major recession, although the crisis has also had the effect of bringing home the importance of businesses needing to widen their outlook as a way of counteracting the downturn.”

The first 12 months at Humber Quays saw regional companies making use of the World Trade Centre’s expert services and state of the art facilities, which include its meeting spaces, videoconferencing and international business library.

More than 330 trade and investment enquiries have been followed up over the past year including 69 received directly through the World Trade Centers Association network from the United States, Japan, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Mexico and Nigeria.

Of particular importance according to Mr Mowbray was a trade mission to southern India and hosting a visit by Chadi Abou Daher, manager of the World Trade Centre in Doha, the capital of Qatar.

The centre agreed sponsorship of World Trade Centre facilities with D3 Office Group, First Hull Trains, and the Royal Bank of Scotland’s International Banking Centre and launched free market research clinics by UK Trade and Investment experts to help businesses made the most of the centre’s International Trade Library.

Mr Mowbray added: “These events are a statement of our intent to make a real impact. Our aims for the next 12 months are to build on what we have by supporting and facilitating international trade in every way to the benefit of the region’s economy and its community.”

The World Trade Centre is managed by Hull Forward on behalf of its funding partners Yorkshire Forward and Hull City Council.