NECC set up Go Global World Cup Charity Sweepstake

Jun 10 2010 by John Hill, The Journal

MOST North East businesses will be backing England in the World Cup from tomorrow, but a few might also be sneakily cheering on a second team.

The North East Chamber of Commerce is marking the tournament in South Africa by setting up a Go Global World Cup Charity Sweepstake, in which 32 companies donate £100 to be linked with a competing team.

In most cases, the company has built up successful supply links with this country. The company linked to the winning team will select the charity that will receive the pot on July 11.

NECC international trade spokesman Jonathan Walker said: “It’s too easy to focus on traditional trading partners such as the US and Europe, but a lot of products leave the North East and go all over the world.”

Walker is backing Spain to lift the Jules Rimet trophy this year, but thinks that handy footballers Brazil are also a decent bet for businesses looking for export locations.

He said: “Brazil’s economy has continued to grow throughout the recession and will continue to provide opportunities in the future.”

Gateshead’s fairtrade organisation Traidcraft has maintained relationships with Chilean producers such as Apicoop since its launch in the 70s. Traidcraft’s Jane Riley said it imported crafts, honey, blueberries and wine from Chile, and had just established a fairtrade link for raisins. She added: “Our produce comes mostly from overseas.

“It takes a long time to develop a producer, but international trade is vital for many of them.

“Lots of the relationships are longstanding as we hang in there with them whatever happens.”

Berger Closures managing director Richard Swart has linked his firm to his native South Africa. The Durban-born businessman has helped the company forge links in Europe, India, China and the US.

He said: “I’m backing South Africa for sentimental reasons. We have a never- say-die mentality and believe we can win anything. Sometimes we do, although we did choke in the cricket.”

Newcastle International Airport is also backing its home team after being linked with England. Head of planning and corporate affairs Graeme Mason said: “Our chief executive David Laws is a former football league referee.

“I follow football with my head rather than my heart so I think England has the best chance in a generation to win it. Mind you, I said that last time as well.”