Overseas trade crucial to North East business
Nov 18 2009 by Iain Laing, The Journal
BUSINESS & Enterprise North East (BE-NE) took over the running of the region's International Trade Office service earlier this year, bringing overseas trade and investment support closer to other key BE-NE services.
The move has further simplified business support in the region and is helping more businesses to trade overseas and invest in foreign markets successfully.
Here Nicki Clark, assistant chief executive at Business & Enterprise North East, which also delivers the Business Link service and North East of England Investment Centre in the region, comments on the importance international trade has on the economy and the business benefits of exploiting overseas markets.
“As the UK continues to be affected by the impact of the economic downturn, it’s more important than ever for North East businesses to broaden their horizons and be open to new opportunities, including those that exist within overseas markets.
“Trading internationally can be an effective way for businesses to attract new customers, gain a competitive edge and safeguard their futures, which is crucial to the long-term prosperity of the region’s economy.
“Exporting may seem like a daunting prospect, however, there’s no reason why more businesses in the region can’t compete in overseas markets.
UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), the service operated by the region’s International Trade Office, can help companies to understand the significant opportunities offered by international trade and work with them to develop the required knowledge and capabilities to successfully enter foreign markets – and succeed within them.
“In the first six months since Business & Enterprise North East took over the running of UKTI services in the region, performance figures have been very encouraging, highlighting how many of the region’s businesses are already making the most of opportunities presented by overseas markets and experiencing the benefits, which include increased productivity and survival rates.
“Between April and September, 216 companies received assistance with their export plans and a further 75 companies were recruited and intensively assisted through our Passport to Export and Gateway to Global Growth services.
“The North East also comes out top as the leading UK region within the UKTI Performance and Impact Monitoring Surveys, for areas including improved performance, productivity and competitiveness.
“Many more North East businesses are primed for expansion into international markets and I would urge these companies to make the most of the extensive support available to help them achieve rapid export growth.”
:: For further information about the range of services available through UK Trade & Investment, companies should contact the North East International Trade hotline on 0845 05 05 054, email enquiries@ukti.rito.co.uk or log onto the website at www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk/ukti/north_east.
