Businesses keen to export their goods and services were given practical insight at a free conference hosted by Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and the Solent Growth Hub.
More than 100 representatives from small and medium sized enterprises attended the Going for Growth event at the Botleigh Grange Hotel near Southampton.
Conference sessions included advice on sales and marketing, product positioning and how to access finance when targeting international markets.
Stewart Dunn, Hampshire Chamber Chief Executive, said: “Many of the delegates had thought about exporting but were not too sure of the basics. The event was specifically designed to help them sow the seeds of success and focus on how to grow.”
Among the speakers was Mark Baulch, South East Regional Coordinator of the International UK Business Network, a partnership between British Chambers of Commerce, UK Trade and Investment and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Mr Baulch discussed how the network supports exporters through practical advice and ‘on-the-ground’ contacts in target markets.
He was joined by Denise Barlow, Head of Projects at Hampshire Chamber, who spoke about the importance of choosing the right market and applying appropriate marketing formula.
Fellow presenter Ray Cobb explained the help that the Solent Growth Hub provides as a ‘one-stop-shop’ support service.
Mr Cobb, one of a team of growth hub ‘navigators’, explained how companies and entrepreneurs can be guided through to exporting initiatives. The hub is supported by the Regional Growth Hub.
Other presenters included Richard Hall of the Future Solent low carbon partnership and Hampshire Chamber’s International Trade Executive Jacqueline Highmore.
