Firms in Coventry and Warwickshire have been urged to use Export Week (Nov 12 – 16) as the catalyst to start trading overseas.
Mick Page, who heads the UKTI (UK Trade & Investment) international trade team at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said companies that export are more likely to survive, be more productive and grow.
Firms from across the region can book an appointment for a 15-minute one-to-one clinic with Page and members of his team for next Monday (Nov 12), Wednesday (Nov 14) or Friday (Nov 16).
He said: “Exporting should not be seen as the cream on the top of regular business activity, it has to become embedded into the core growth strategy of a business.
“The facts show that companies that do export achieve stronger growth than can possibly be achieved if they concentrate solely on the domestic market.
“We have to help companies get over the fear of exporting. I think some people immediately think: ‘foreign languages, unfamiliar rules, regulations and travel costs’ and put themselves off.
“However, selling goods and services to the Republic of Ireland or the Netherlands is exporting. Does that seem any more daunting or difficult than selling to Scotland for a firm in Coventry and Warwickshire?
“There are markets where language is no barrier – the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand – and there are markets where the rules very much reflect our own such as the EU.
“And there is support, massive amounts of support, particularly from the UKTI team here at the Chamber because we understand what it takes to trade overseas and can help in a range of ways.
“The Government and organisations such as the Chamber want companies to succeed overseas because the benefits are not just there to be reaped by the individual firms but by the whole economy.
“That is why there is so much help and support available and that is why we are here.
“In our region alone – there are examples of internationally renowned companies such as Jaguar Land Rover, which are growing their market overseas, but also one or two-person companies that are succeeding on a global stage.
“It can be achieved and companies should have no fear.”
He added: “There will be a great deal going on during Export Week including events around the region, but myself and my colleagues will be available for one-to-one sessions on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
“Appointments aren’t crucial but it would be helpful if companies got in touch in advance just to avoid any double-booking.”
