Midlands business has been given an insight into how best to go about selling to the world.
Terence Madkins, International Trade Adviser at UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), spoke at the Manufacturing Business Network event, organised by national audit, tax and advisory firm Crowe Clark Whitehill..
He talked about exporting and how to grow your business overseas.
“In this region we have some fantastic examples of exporters pushing business boundaries,” said Midlands managing partner Johnathan Dudley. “But we need more – there are not enough of them.
“We are a great trading nation and exports are our life-blood. Exporting has to be at the heart of our economic recovery.”
Mr Dudley, who is Head of Manufacturing Business at Crowe Clark Whitehill, said it was acknowledged that many small and medium sized enterprises were wary about selling abroad and tackling barriers such as language, business culture, regulation and tariffs.
Yet help is at hand.
“UKTI is an excellent organisation which looks to guide and encourage those who find the whole concept a daunting one.
“Businesses operating purely in the home market need to think bigger. Globalisation is here to stay; the world can be their oyster. This meeting is an opportunity for them to dip a toe in the water and hopefully be inspired to get soaked!”
The Manufacturing Business Network event comes in the wake of a big push by UKTI, taking its Export Week around the country, from November 11-15 in the West Midlands.
In May a similar effort pulled in 750 firms in the region.
Mr Dudley said: “UKTI is adept at offering support and advice to SMEs, helping with business leads and contacts, explaining the nuances of insurance and credit and much more besides.”