Business West, the Bristol-based business support organisation, has been recognised as one of the UK’s leading chambers of commerce for export advice services.
It landed the British Chambers of Commerce Award for Excellence in International Trade Services for the support it gives to members and exporters through its comprehensive range of products and services which help them start up and further develop overseas business.
The award came as Business West was awarded the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) contract for the South West.
Under the two-year contract EEN will provide support to businesses seeking dealers, suppliers, manufacturers and research partners across Europe and beyond. The free service, funded by the European Commission, is specifically designed to help promote international business collaboration.
Project manager Paul O’Collins said: “We have already identified more than 15,000 business opportunities in 52 countries and we are looking forward to working with South West businesses to help them find new international trading partners.”
The British Chambers of Commerce Award specifically recognised Business West’s export documentation service and pioneering new service Acorn Interactive initiative, which can produce all the documentation needed for any international shipment and means exporters can manage all their documents online.
For those lacking the resource or time, Business West’s team of international experts can create all the documents quickly and reliably under its Acorn Assist service.
Business West international trade manager Lyn Palmer, who runs the Acorn services, said: “We are proud to have been recognised for the work we do to support new and existing exporters. Getting started in international trade or developing new overseas markets can be tough – there is a lot at stake and often a lot to learn. That’s why we always strive to provide top quality advice and support; this is exactly what Acorn Interactive has been set up to do.”
Business West director of commercial services James Monk added: “We are absolutely delighted to have been granted this award in recognition of our services to assist exporters in growing their business.
“We have been instrumental in developing innovative international trade services for many years such as e-cert and our Letter of Credit service, and more recently Acorn Interactive. This shows we are at the forefront of export technologies, supporting chamber members and exporters alike. It is fitting recognition of staff’s expertise and dedication.”
Business West represents more than 6,000 businesses across its network of chambers of commerce in Bristol, Bath and Gloucestershire as well as South West Chambers of Commerce.
Pictured: Clive Wray, director public sector contracts Business West, Lyn Palmer, international trade manager Business West, Shannon Diet, DHL (award sponsor) and James Monk, director of commercial services at Business West
