Events to encourage more firms to export are to take place in Bristol next month as part of a region-wide programme of events.
UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) South West has teamed up with partners and business organisations to organise the events for Export Week (November 12-16) in a bid to inspire new exporters and provide practical advice for existing exporters.
Bristol area firms are being urged to take up the international trade challenge and explore export opportunities.
The Bristol events include a seminar on opportunities for business in USA on November 13, an Export Challenge Campaign and a seminar on security networking the following day. The Bristol Media Vision Conference, which looks at international trade opportunities, takes place on November 14 and 15.
Export Week is part of a campaign led by Trade & Investment minister Lord Green to increase the number of British exporters by roughly a quarter and add around £36bn to the UK economy.
Lord Green said: “In November of last year I launched, with the Prime Minister, the National Export Challenge. I have been enormously impressed by the way that many firms have seized upon the challenge in the period since then. From 2010 to 2011, there was a 10.5 per cent export growth and more companies are now exporting to high growth developing markets.
“But there is more that we can do. I invite you all to join UKTI at one of our many regional events to find out more about the benefits of exporting and to see how UKTI can help your business grow.”
The highlight of the week in the South West will be the return of ExploreExport, which takes place at the Mercure Holland House Hotel in Bristol on November 16. This highly-successful event provides the opportunity to meet experts from more than 60 countries who will provide bespoke advice for businesses.
UKTI regional director Russell Jones said: “There is no doubt that the past year has been full of challenges for the region’s companies, but despite a dip in export figures during the last quarter, up to the end of March 2012 the South West has still enjoyed another excellent export performance for the year as a whole, with £12.5bn worth of goods and services exported around the world.
“However, we cannot be complacent. While overall our overseas performance is strong the number of companies involved in international trade is still relatively small and as part of the National Export Challenge our aim is to help create even more new exporters in the region.
“Export Week provides an ideal opportunity for companies to find out more about the opportunities and how exports can help their business grow with a wide range of events we hope will inspire and encourage them to take up the export for growth challenge.
“Virtually any company can export its products and services – from single-owner operations to large corporations employing hundreds – and there are plenty of opportunities for South West businesses.
“Every year, hundreds of South West companies take advantage of the wide range of support services available through UKTI and I would urge companies to join us during Export Week and find out how UKTI can help.”
Events, venues and times may change. Companies are advised to check the website for further details at www.exportweek.ukti.gov.uk
