Held at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford earlier this month, the ExploreExport event was organised as part of a series of seminars across the country to highlight the opportunities that overseas markets can offer UK firms to expand, and to outline the support available to help successfully exploit them.
Attended by around 350 small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners and professionals from across Cambridgeshire and East Anglia, the all-day event included a number of specialist seminars and workshops, covering topics including writing export plans and how to approach doing business in specific countries.
The event was addressed by Nick Baird, Chief Executive of UKTI, and Sir Richard Needham, President of the British Exporters Association, and experts from 60 countries were also on hand to offer their insight and expertise into both the difficulties and the benefits of conducting business in overseas markets.
Guests also heard from Mark Dodd, head of International for Lloyds TSB Commercial, who discussed the financial support available to businesses to ensure that they are fully prepared to develop and launch an export plan, as well as successfully managing the financial risks of selling overseas.
Focusing on the opportunities exporting can offer to companies looking for expansion in a constantly changing global economy, he also outlined how firms could make informed decisions when addressing the financial and trade aspects that are an essential part of exporting successfully.
Mark Dodd said: “Getting into exporting is a significant investment decision for businesses, which requires preparation and planning to fully understand the opportunities and benefits. It’s important to learn what needs to be done to overcome the risks and challenges that exporting can present, just as in any other business investment.
“It is vital that businesses looking to exporting as a route to growth should undertake thorough research and preparation, and experienced agencies like UKTI can provide a wealth of resources and guidance from planning to the launching of an exporting plan.
“At Lloyds TSB Commercial we have a dedicated team of international business managers, who are dedicated to helping businesses access export markets. Working with both UKTI and UK Export Finance, they have specialist knowledge to help both first time and established exporters understand the financial and risk management implications of exporting. We have also launched Arena, a platform for foreign exchange to support our international customers monitor and manage foreign exchange risks.”
Liz Basing, Regional Director for UKTI East, said: “Exporting is a proven route to growth for strong UK firms, allowing them access to new and larger consumer markets, but as with every business development strategy it’s important that companies are fully prepared for the challenges these new markets may present.
“These events provide a great opportunity for businesses to meet with experts in international exporting, from across a range of sectors and countries, enabling them to network and benefit from their knowledge and experience.”
For more information visit: http://www.ukti.gov.uk/
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Issued on behalf of Lloyds TSB Commercial by Citypress.
More information: Chris McIntyre on 0161 235 0305/ chris.mcintyre@citypress.co.uk
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East of England firms look overseas for growth opportunities
22 November 2012
Companies from across the East of England have been given expert insight into exporting opportunities as a route to business growth, and how to successfully access overseas markets, at an event hosted by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and supported by Lloyds TSB Commercial.