FIGURES released last month showed that the value of exports from the North East hit another record high, increasing by 16% to a 12 month total of £13.211bn.
They also showed that the number of North East companies selling overseas has increased, with more than 1,000 firms now exporting to markets around the world.
While this is fantastic news, we can’t afford to rest on our laurels and need to continue to encourage more of the region’s businesses to export.
As the New Year gets under way, the successful Sell to the World initiative continues with free events taking place to give companies the skills to help them sell internationally.
Overseas markets offer a host of opportunities, but just as with trading in the domestic market, research is vital if you are to understand your customers and competitors, different regulatory requirements and a different business culture.
For SMEs who are already exporting and keen to develop their markets, the Researching export markets events will offer a useful insight to help you grow your overseas sales. The all- day workshop will help you understand the role of research in strategic export planning, discover the different steps in conducting your research and how research can help perfect your market-entry strategy.
It will also cover the support you can expect from UK Trade & Investment, whether it’s a sector-specific report or how you can use the services of our trade teams located in UK embassies, high commissions and consulates across the world, to benefit your business. The first session will take place on January 27 at Dance City in Newcastle, followed by another on February 21 at Durham County Cricket Club.
Both events have been developed with the creative sector in mind to help companies understand the potential for growth that overseas markets offer.
For SMEs new to exporting or those who’ve not even considered it, the “Introduction to International Trade” workshop is an ideal first step.
This workshop looks at why international trade is the right option for your business, the key issues to consider, selecting the right markets, and the different routes to market. The first session happens on January 26 at Dance City in Newcastle, and again on February 9 at Durham County Cricket Club.
For more information about any of these free events visit the website at www.selltotheworld. co.uk
The Sell to the World programme is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), managed by the Department for Communities and Local Government.
The ERDF Competitiveness Programme 2007-2013 is bringing over £300m into the North East to support innovation, enterprise and business support across the region.
UKTI is committed to helping your business succeed internationally.
The challenge now is to continue the strong growth our recent export performance has shown ... and Sell to the World!
David Coppock, UK Trade & Investment regional director for the North East
