As the Export Hub roadshow gets underway today (Monday 15 February) on the first leg of a two week tour of Wales, Economy Minister Edwina Hart is urging businesses to get on board and meet the experts to get advice on all aspects of exporting.
This was the key message from Mrs Hart, who was joined by Lord Maude, Minister for Trade and Investment, as she officially launched the Export Hub tour of Wales in Pembroke Dock in the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone.
The tour of Wales is a joint initiative between Welsh Government and the UK Government and part of the UK wide Exporting is GREAT campaign to get more businesses exporting.
The Hub – a 32 ton, 40 ft. long branded truck – is equipped with the latest digital technology and provides real-time export opportunities for companies.
It is visiting nine locations across Wales to host seminars, drop-in sessions and one to one meetings with market experts – some via Skype linking businesses to experts based in markets around the world.
Encouraging businesses to take advantage of these opportunities, the Minister said: “Exports are vital for the economy and in Wales account for more than £11 billion annually, delivering significant benefits for those businesses.
“The decision to export can undoubtedly be a big step for many companies but exporting can deliver significant rewards and open up a new, world-wide market for companies’ products and services. The Export Hub roadshow is there to provide face-to-face advice and help and support Welsh businesses at every step of their export journey.
“The Export Hub tour complements the Welsh Government’s extensive export support programme that includes overseas trade missions and visits.
“In the current financial year 93 companies have so far secured more than £72m in export business as a direct result of Welsh Government support. This is a £20m increase on the previous year – we want that upward spiral to continue and help more businesses benefit from exporting.”
Companies wishing to attend the drop-in sessions or book 1-2-1 sessions need to register their interest at: www.businesswales.gov.wales/zones/export/export-events where further information is available on the venues.