North firms urged to go for global growth

May 27 2010 by David Coppock, The Journal

FEW of us have not felt the effects of the economic downturn and it certainly had a significant impact on the North East economy.

However, although we did see a fall in exports, we still recorded a total of almost £10 billion worth of goods exported from the North East during 2009. And figures for the final quarter of the year up to the end of December did increase, offering some optimism for the future.

Our challenge now is to keep up the momentum and support companies as they seek to develop new overseas opportunities.

Although the region's international trade performance is strong, the actual number of companies that export is small and most of our overseas earnings come from relatively few industries such as the automotive, chemical, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.

We want to encourage more companies to take up the export challenge, widen the range of goods and services that are exported and broaden the number of markets in which they are involved.

International trade is a key element of the region's economic success and it's been proven time and again that companies that export are more resilient. We aim to ensure that businesses know that help is at help to those wanting to navigate their way out of the downturn by seeking out new business opportunities overseas.

Last year more than 300 North East companies took advantage of the support UK Trade & Investment offers and nationally UKTI helped 20,700 companies generate an estimated £3.6bn of additional profits.

We'd encourage companies to get their nominations in before the deadline on June 1. The awards will be presented at a special gala dinner at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead on Thursday, July 15, when we will be celebrating the region's success.

For more information about the range of services available through UK Trade & Investment and how to enter the North East Exporters Awards contact the North East International Trade Hotline on 0845 05 05 054, email enquiries@ukti.rito.co.uk  or log onto the website: www.ukti.gov.uk . For details of the North East Exporters' Awards Dinner contact ken.cuthbert.ukti@onenortheast.co.uk , whether it is for nomination details or how to obtain tickets for the awards event.

:: David Coppock is international trade director, UK Trade & Investment (North East)