The North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) North East have been urging businesses across the region to take part in a weeklong series of events focussing on exporting goods and services overseas.
From Monday 9 to Friday 13 November UKTI North East has been working with partners such as NECC, North East and Tees Valley LEPs and successful local exporters to share experiences, offer practical advice and support designed to get more North East goods and services into worldwide markets.
This week there was a dedicated ‘ExploreExport’ event, attended by The Rt Hon Lord Maude, UK Minister for Trade and Investment, at which representatives from 57 overseas markets met with businesses to discuss which markets best suit their offer – and they’ll be taking details back to their home countries and actively promoting trade opportunities in those markets.
Julie Underwood, Director of International Trade at NECC, said: “So far, this week has been a great success with businesses from all over the region exploring new ways of increasing their client base.
“In any industry exporting can be a daunting prospect but we are here to remind people that there is help available. The North East is only region in England to consistently export more than we import and we hope to build upon this impressive record.”
David Coppock, Regional Director for UKTI North East said: “This week long focus on exporting has been an excellent opportunity for businesses to take their first steps into exploring new markets and finding out where the best export opportunities lie for them.
“We know from businesses that we have already worked with that exporting can lead to greater opportunities for innovation, development and can increase employment right here in the North East.
“There is advice available on finance and billing, cultural considerations, support available from UKTI and others, alongside testimonials of companies that have already made great contracts and sales overseas.
“The range of companies we help ranges from the very small, recently established firm, trying to win their first orders abroad right up to established multi-nationals, already trading abroad.”
The week of events will end with the Tees Valley LEP Business Compass event, Lingfield Point, Darlington onFriday 13 November.
For more information about exporting and how NECC and UKTI can help, visit www.necc.co.uk/international, contact UKTI on 0345 136 0169 or email northeast@mobile.ukti.gov.uk