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Export support for North East businesses

International Trade Secretary Liam Fox has underlined his ambition to make 2017 ‘the year of exporting’. Julie Underwood, International Trade Director at the North East England Chamber of Commerce, tells us what’s happening in the North East to support businesses.

If you are thinking of expanding your business overseas, or are just starting to think about export and what it could mean for your business, we have a package of support for all stages of the process.

The Department for International Trade has joined forces with The North East England Chamber of Commerce to help companies familiarise themselves with  key overseas markets.

A series of Northern Powerhouse trade missions have been organised, alongside short taster visits to destinations including Copenhagen, Dubai and South Korea.

Exports contribute over £511 billion to the UK’s GDP and the North East continues to be a very strong exporting region. There’s no better time for companies here to find out more about the opportunities for overseas trade.

The planned taster visits to Copenhagen and Dusseldorf are designed specifically for companies taking their first steps into exporting and I would encourage businesses to sign up to take part.

During the trips, you’ll hear from a North East company which already works internationally – it’s invaluable to hear from people who have already been there and done it. The visits are led by experienced international trade advisers who have established networks and who can advise businesses about the opportunities within each local economy. There will also be time to network with the other like-minded delegates.

The cost to attend a taster visit starts from just £99 – flights and accommodation are included.  It’s a great and cost effective way to explore the opportunities available to your business. We know that exporting can result in a whole raft of business benefits – it can help skills development, innovation and ultimately is a great proven way to grow your business.

Whether you’d like to expand your work overseas or you’re just starting to think about exporting for the first time, come and talk to us about how we can support you on your journey.

Julie Underwood, International Trade Director, North East England Chamber of Commerce.

The forthcoming Northern Powerhouse trade missions are:

·         Chemical Mumbai, Bangalore & Pune, 7 – 15 Feb 2017

·         Ambiente 2017 Consumer Goods, Frankfurt, Germany, 10 – 14 Feb 2017 

·         Creative & Digital, South Korea, 20 Feb 2017

·         Gulfood, Dubai, UAE, 26 Feb – 2 Mar 2017

·         Life Sciences, Boston, USA, 7 – 10 Mar 2017

·         SXSW, Austin, USA, 10 – 19 Mar 2017

·         Dihad (Aid Funded Business), Dubai, 21 – 23 Mar 2017

·         Seaenergy Offshore Wind & Renewables, Le Havre, France, 21 – 23 Mar 2017

·         Financial & Professional Nordics, date TBC

In addition to the above trade missions, the Department for International Trade North East has developed the Expanding North East Presence in International Markets programme, designed to enable North East companies grow internationally. Supported by the North East LEP and working closely with the North East Growth Hub, the programme is designed to assist SMEs in the North East to internationalise goods and services. It provides access to tailored advice, guidance and funding. Businesses will be given hands-on support to develop an export growth action plan, as well as the opportunity to engage a Virtual Export Manager, Export Sector Specialist and, if eligible, access an Export Development Fund.

For more information contact:

Department for International Trade North East

0345 136 0169

[email protected]