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International Trade Commissioners share expertise at export event

International Trade Commissioners will be travelling to Plymouth later this month to speak at an exciting event which will give businesses expert advice on how they can export their goods and services to the international market.

'Going Global: Discover Your Export Potential' will be held on the morning Tuesday 26 March 2013 at the Holiday Inn, Plymouth and again in the afternoon.
 
The free event is being run by Plymouth Chamber of Commerce in partnership with UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) and is open to anyone interested in international trade - whether it be a small business considering selling overseas for the first time or an old hand at exporting who would like to refresh and update their knowledge.
 
A group of Trade Commissioners who work in international markets will be sharing their export experience, including representatives from the China-Britain Business Council, the UK India Business Council and the Embassy of Belgium, as well as a business leader from Estonia.
 
Speakers will also include Nicola Evans, Head of International Trade with Peninsula Enterprise; David Parlby, Chief Executive of Plymouth Chamber and Anthony Peake of GOSS Interactive. Anthony will be talking about how social media management can be used to investigate new markets, identify competitors and opportunities and build profitable relationships.
 
HSBC bank and Plymouth-based accountancy firm Francis Clark will provide specific advice around some of the potential pitfalls of exporting and how to overcome them, including minimising risk, negotiating with customers and basic tax issues.
 
At midday, Council Leader Tudor Evans will launch the Plymouth International Trade Club, a new initiative which will give exporters and those considering exporting for the first time information, advice and support to help them succeed.
 
Plymouth Chamber of Commerce works closely with many local exporters. Its International Trade Team, which offers free practical advice and certifies documents, assists with at least 50 export documents each month.
 
Cate Taynton, Project Manager for Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, has worked together with UKTI to organise the event and the interesting array of speakers. She said:
 
"Last year, the Government issued the national challenge of doubling UK exports to £1 trillion by the end of 2020. There has been a remarkable response to this through an increased awareness of international trade and enhanced resources and support services for potential exporters.
 
"The event to be held later this month will provide a fantastic insight into all aspects of the export process and what is actually involved for businesses, including a case study from a local firm which is currently exporting successfully.
 
"We are very much looking forward to welcoming our guest speakers from Europe. They will be able to offer up a different perspective on the business of export and in-depth advice for specific export destinations."
 
Nicola Evans of UKTI said: "UKTI provides in-depth knowledge and support on all aspects of international trade and we welcome this opportunity of working with Plymouth Chamber.  We look forward to meeting and working with more businesses at the event and to help increase the level of exporting in the city."
 
The UK's first Export Week was held in November 2012 in line with a national campaign to encourage small and medium enterprises to consider exporting and access the expert advice and guidance available to potential exporters. Throughout the week, over 100 events were held nationally, including a programme of local workshops for business in Plymouth.
 
David Parlby, Chief Executive of Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, said: "Plymouth and the South West may be under-performing in terms of exports but we have an incredible amount of potential to engage with overseas businesses to generate inward investment and put this part of the UK on the international map. Companies looking increase their growth and competitiveness should make the most of that opportunity."
 
To book a place on the morning or afternoon session, visit www.plymouth-chamber.co.uk
 
For more information, contact Plymouth Chamber of Commerce on 01752 220 471 or email [email protected]