Global success is beckoning

Oct 22 2009 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

The downturn has done little to dowse the spirits of successful North East exporters, as Andrew Mernin discovers.

DESPITE the global economic crisis of the last two years, North East firms have continued to defy tough conditions to sell their wares overseas.

And, as the clouds of recession begin to shift, their hard work could be rewarded as they build on trading ties forged in difficult times to continue their expansion.

According to UK Trade and Investment’s chief executive Sir Andrew Cahn, the region’s export market is gearing up for a return to prosperity after overcoming the worst of the recession

The exports leader visited the North East earlier this month to meet with representatives from businesses, regional development agency One North East and the Institute of Directors.

He also took the opportunity to put his weight behind our campaign which, in partnership with the North East Chamber of Commerce, aims to encourage the region’s companies to export their way out of recession.

Through Go Global, we are urging more firms to export more goods and services and we aim to end any fears of expanding abroad and show the support available.

Sir Cahn said: “Exporting is a great opportunity for the North East to pull itself through the recession.

“Until 2008, exports were growing very rapidly. They then fell, but we think we are at the bottom of that [decline] and we are beginning to pull up again.

“The recession has meant that export markets are more difficult.

“However, there are parts of the world that have not gone into recession, such as Taiwan, China and Brazil, where growth has merely been reduced.”

So, now could be the time to embark on an export mission.

As inspiration to businesses which may be considering dipping their toes in an overseas market, we chart some recent success stories of North East firms making it big abroad.