HSBC Trade and Supply Chain and UK Trade & Investment Join Forces to Boost UK Exports

North East businesses can learn how they can benefit from the second year of a joint initiative between HSBC Commercial Banking and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) to help UK exporters of all sizes capitalise on trade opportunities in 2010.

The joint HSBC / UKTI initiative is aimed at providing training events and additional trade assistance for businesses looking to enhance their ability to grow their international export business.

In the North East, HSBC and UKTI will hold an international trade workshop to help demystify how to do business internationally and successfully trade overseas.

The North East Trade Academy will be held on Tuesday, 14 September at The Baltic, Gateshead from 8.30am until noon. The event is free but the number of places is limited. A buffer lunch will also be provided offering a chance to network with speakers and fellow delegates.

The workshop is aimed specifically at SME’s preparing to or already trading overseas. The interactive event will be presented by experienced UKTI Trade Advisers and HSBC Trade & Treasury Specialists who will provide advice on the opportunities and challenges in exporting, and help companies understand how to prepare their international strategy and avoid some of the common pitfalls.

The events will cover:

the process of trading internationally;

how you can enter the market of your choice more effectively;

understanding the risks involved in trading overseas and how to mitigate them;

how to finance international growth; and

management of currency risks.

David Coppock, UKTI’s International Trade Director for the North East, said:

“International trade is a key part of the region’s economy. Last year, despite a dip in exports as a result of the economic downturn, more than £9.6 billion worth of goods were exported from the North East to markets across the glove.

“Strong exports will help secure the long term future growth of many businesses and help further boost the regional economy. We’ve teamed up with the world’s local bank HSBC to ensure companies have the knowledge and tools to trade internationally.”

Businesses interested in attending the international trade workshops and to register your interest please go to: www.hsbc.co.uk/tradeacademy

For information about the wide range of support services available through UK Trade & Investment call the North East International Trade Hotline on 0845 05 05 054 or email: enquiries@ukti.rito.co.uk