Celebrating success

Jul 1 2009 by Brendan Murphy, The Journal

IN today's economic climate it is all too common to be disheartened by doom and gloom headlines. In reality however, we have plenty to be very proud of.

The forthcoming North East Exporters Awards 2009 will be the perfect backdrop to showcase the success that the region’s exporters are achieving, a headline which I, for one, see as being more powerful than the current scaremongering.

The awards ceremony, which is a partnership between NECC, UKTI and One NorthEast, is the only regional awards event that recognises individual achievement – people within business who have really made a difference to the international success of their respective business.

Annual North East trade with the rest of the world is now at record levels, recently surpassing £12bn. Despite the turbulent economic conditions, demand for products from the North East continues to increase. However, with only five per cent of the region’s companies exporting, there are many more businesses which could be taking advantage of the benefits of international trade support from UTKI and NECC.

As in other regions, 98% of North East companies are SMEs (small and medium enterprises) and companies of every shape and size can be involved in international trade. Size really does not matter – regional business support programmes have helped companies with as few as three employees.

I have witnessed first-hand the efforts the region is making to develop new trade links around the world, being fortunate enough to be amongst the delegation of organisations from Sunderland that visited Harbin last month. New markets such as Harbin will hold the key to future international trade success for business in the region both now and in the future.

The past year has been challenging for all businesses, however many of the North East’s companies are rising to the challenge. New developments and initiatives are happening all the time as businesses recognise the need to enter new markets.

As an NECC director, I have had the pleasure of meeting several of the businesses who have contributed greatly to this success.

It will be fantastic to not only share dinner and a chance to catch up with them, but to see them receive the recognition they deserve for their work in the international trade arena.

Brendan Murphy is international trade director of NECC