Bristol businesses operating in the high-growth agri-tech and marine-tech sectors are being given new opportunities to break into overseas markets by virtually showcasing their products.
Agri-tech companies can meet global commercial trade officers from 50 overseas markets on Tuesday at a virtual Meet the Market Expert event. 
Organised by the Department for International Trade (DIT), it is open for companies with a turnover of £300,000 or more and that have already begun exporting or have high export potential.
Some 300 meetings will be held during the day and businesses will be able to book a maximum of eight meetings with commercial trade officers, who will work with exporters to help them identify potential buyers and partners in their market following the event.
The event is being staged by Business West, DIT’s delivery partner in the South West of England.
Click here for more information.
Meanwhile, a new project that will enable marine-tech manufacturers to showcase their products overseas using augmented reality, pictured, has launched.
The initiative will use augmented reality (AR) to enable businesses to showcase their products across the world without having to travel, decreasing CO2 emissions while reducing the need for companies to be in close contact with potential international buyers during Covid-19.
Three companies will be selected for the project, with immersive AR experiences being produced to enable international buyers to understand how their product work while demonstrating their unique capabilities.
The maritime sector contributes around £12bn to UK exports and the project will support the government’s five-year maritime plan for the UK, which aims to support the sector to capture significant global market share in important technologies.
DIT South West head of trade Paul Shand said: “This project is a fantastic opportunity for marine companies in the South West to continue to showcase their products to overseas buyers while reducing their carbon footprint.
“Covid-19 has created some challenges for businesses, but it is through initiatives such as these that firms can become resilient to economic instabilities and grow their business through nurturing relationships with overseas buyers.”
Applications close at midnight on Wednesday, December 16. For more information and to apply click here.
