East Midlands Export Chief’s Germany Meet

Peter Hogarth, the East Midlands UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) director met with the mayor of a German town twinned with Nottingham, as part of a group aiming to attract investment into Nottingham from Germany, and increase exports to the country.

Latest statistics show exports to Germany are up, and it's the largest market in the EU for the East Midlands.

Herr Heinz Fenrich, Oberburgermeister from Nottingham’s twin city Karlsruhe, visited to open the Friendship Bridge which will carry trams across Station Street to Nottingham Station.

Herr Fenrich also met with representatives from Nottingham City Council, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce and other members of the Invest in Nottingham Club including Andrew Borkowski who runs the German group at Geldards and Toby Reid from BioCity Nottingham. The group explained their ideas for a Germany-UK forum, which seeks to explore the opportunities for collaboration, trade and investment between Nottingham and Germany, by using the expertise and contacts of businesses and individuals already experienced with the market.

Heinz said:“Karlsruhe will offer Nottingham the support required to build and improve on a business network to encourage economic partnership.”

Peter said: "In order for our economy to grow we need to increase investment and trade. At UK Trade & Investment we are doing all we can to help local firms to grow by selling overseas. Utilising partnerships such as this one can help us reach our target of doubling the value of exports by 2020."

Next steps to increase investment and trade between Germany and Nottingham include forming business delegations made up of growing businesses in mutual key sectors on outward and inward missions and giving ambassador status to organisations and individuals with an international profile.

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