Let the world see your business

Jan 28 2010 By The Journal

NORTH East firms are being urged to "Take it to the world" as a series of export masterclasses tours the region in a bid to help them win new business overseas.

UK Trade & Investment has organised the export masterclass roadshow to help new and novice exporters find out why they should export, the many opportunities available and the support that is available to help them.

A top team of experts have been brought together to deliver the export masterclasses that will cover everything you need to know from identifying your market and the best routes into it to export terminology, methods of payment and the legalities of exporting.

Geoff Charlesworth, one of UK Trade & Investment’s international trade advisers, who has been co-ordinating the roadshow, explained: "As a region the North East has an impressive record when it comes to international trade and although there has been a fall in recent months as a result of the economic downturn, we still exported more than £10bn worth of goods in the last year.

"However, only a relatively small percentage of the region’s companies actually export and we want to encourage more firms to take up the export challenge and ‘take it to the world’.

"Our export masterclasses are an ideal starting point for both new and novice exporters to find out about the benefits of exporting, what’s involved and the wide range of support that is available including UKTI’s Passport and Gateway to Global Growth initiatives and the Overseas Market Introduction Service.

"There’s no need to do it alone – UKTI and its partners are here to help every step of the way. And the first step is to join us at one of our Take it to the world – Export Masterclass events."

The Take it to the world – Export Masterclass events will be held as follows:

Thursday, January 28 – Durham County Cricket Club, Chester-le-Street

Thursday, February 18– Kingston Park, Newcastle

Wednesday, February 24– Middlesbrough Teaching and Learning Centre

Wednesday, March 10 – Fulbeck Grange, Morpeth

Tuesday, March 16 – Darlington Football Club, Darlington

All events run from 9am-2pm and include lunch and there will also be an opportunity to network with other delegates and the team of experts.

The events are free but places are limited and must be booked beforehand. To book your place contact the North East International Trade Hotline on 0845 0505054 or email enquiries@ukti.rito.co.uk