Declan Curry to kick off Export Week in Maidstone.
Firms in Kent are being offered an insight into a world of opportunities in November as UK Trade & Investment (UKTI)’s Export Week kicks off in Maidstone.
Following the success of Export Week in May, which focused on High Growth Markets, UKTI will run another series of regional events during the week of 11-15 November aimed at getting businesses to either start exporting or to expand existing export activity.
Kicking off Export Week in the South East, Declan Curry, recognised as one of the UK’s leading journalists in business and finance, will host launch event ‘Exporting for Growth’, a half-day seminar on Monday 11 November at the Mercure Hotel in Maidstone.
The event, run in partnership with Kent International Business, aims to help firms boost overseas sales.
Companies will also hear from HSBC Chief Economist, Mark Berrisford-Smith for an up to the minute view on current and future international business opportunities and trends.
Lewis Scott, Regional Director for UK Trade & Investment in the South East, said:
“It’s the job of UKTI South East to ensure that all opportunities for export are being exploited by businesses across the region and this fantastic week of events is a prime example of this in action.
“Economic research consistently shows companies who exports to any country, in any financial climate, perform better than those who don’t.
“Knowledge of your market and knowledge of the practicalities of exporting are crucial tools in your company’s toolbox. Attending this event and hearing from experts like Declan Curry and Mark Berrisford-Smith could really help you develop your export strategy.
“Kent is a thriving county packed full of innovative and industrious small and medium firms. Combined with great transport links there is no reason why local firms should not be selling more overseas so I hope this event will help firms see the opportunities out there”
Latest HMRC stats reveal that the South East continues to be the biggest regional exporter, with the total value of exports from the South East for the first half of the year at £22.6 billion.
Kent County Council’s Trade Development manager, Steve Samson, who leads the Kent International Business programme said:
“We are convinced that there is a lot of untapped export potential in Kent and this event, along with a range of other trade-support initiatives, will help local firms to better understand the opportunities in overseas markets and how to go about accessing them.”
Tudor Price, Business Development Manager for Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, said:
“The Chamber has seen a significant uplift in the number of customers requiring export certification and the UK has been sending some unusual goods to far flung places.
“Anecdotally the businesses we deal with have seen new markets, new customers and greater support emerging over the last six months and now is a good time to look beyond our borders. Exporting for Growth is a must attend event for those looking for new sales.”
For more information about Export Week and how to book your place at events, log onto the website at: http://www.exportweek.ukti.gov.uk/full
To find out more about the wide range of support services available through UK Trade & Investment to help your company succeed overseas call the South East International Trade Hotline on 08452 789 600 or email: info@uktisoutheast.com. You can also follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/UKTI_LondonSE
