Export Week helps North East firms’ export growth take-off

North East firms have been urged to take up the international trade challenge and see their export growth take off during a special week-long programme of events launched today.

UK Trade & Investment has teamed up with partners and business organisations to organise events across the country for Export Week (12-16 November) to reach out to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

UK Trade & Investment has teamed up with partners and business organisations to host events across the country for Export Week (12-16 November) to reach out to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Export Week events meet the needs of every type of exporter, new or existing, and range from seminars and workshops to roadshows and one-to-one sessions, webinars and conferences. There will also be five “ExploreExport” events – including one in Leeds – where UKTI experts from 70 overseas markets will be on hand to provide bespoke advice about trading both with our international partners and with high-growth markets.

The week began with a special “Be part of Export for Growth” event, supported by Tees Valley Unlimited, at Durham Tees Valley Airport today (Monday).

Among the guest speakers at today’s launch event were Neil Kenley, Tees Valley Unlimited’s Director of Business Investment who spoke about the importance of exports to the region and its commitment to help companies with their aspirations in support of UKTI.

David Coppock, Regional Director for UK Trade & Investment in the North East, said:

“We already have dozens of companies signed up to attend Export Week events, but it’s not too late to take part as many are still open to register to attend.

“The past year has been full of challenges for the region’s companies but the North East has still enjoyed another excellent export performance for the year as a whole, with a record £14 billion worth of goods and services exported around the world.

“However, we cannot afford to be complacent and through initiatives such as Export Week, UKTI hopes to encourage more companies to export. As part of the National Export Challenge our aim here in the North East is to help create 500 new exporters in the region by 2015.

“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.”

He added: “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 North East businesses.

“Last year more than 600 North East companies took 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.”

Export Week events

Events during Export Week will include:

Monday 12 November

• Be part of Export for Growth, launch event – Tees Valley Airport – 8.30am-12.30pm.

Tuesday 13 November

• Federation of Small Businesses event – Redworth Hall, County Durham – 12.30-3.30pm

Wednesday 14 November

• Explore Export event with UKTI experts from 70 overseas markets – DoubleTree by Hilton, Leeds – 9am-3pm

• International website masterclass – Hilton Hotel, Gateshead – 8.30am-1pm

Thursday 15 November

• Supply Chain Workshop – St James’ Park, Newcastle – 9.30am-1pm

Friday 16 November

• Market seminar (Dubai/UAE), including a chance to meet your ITA – DoubleTree by Hilton, Newcastle Airport – 8.30-11.30am

• Market seminar (Spain), including a chance to meet your ITA – BIC Sunderland – 8.30-10.30am

• Market seminar (Netherlands), including a chance to meet your ITA – Lumley Castle, Chester-le-Street – 8.30-10.30am

• Market seminar (India), including a chance to meet your ITA – HMS Trincomalee, Hartlepool Marina – 8.30-10.30am

• Exporting for Growth reception – Marriott at the MetroCentre, Gateshead – 12-2.30pm

Contacts

For more information about Export Week log onto the website at: http://www.exportweek.ukti.gov.uk.

For more information about Export Insights Visits and to register your interest log onto the website at: http://www.embltd.co.uk/ukti.

To find out more about the wide range of support services available through UK Trade & Investment to help your company succeed overseas contact:

North East International Trade Team

Tel: +44 (0) 845 05 05 054

Email: enquiries@uktinortheast.org.uk

You can also follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/UKTINorthEast.

Find your nearest International Trade Advisor via our postcode search facility in “Contacts in your region”.