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New International Trade Club to put Plymouth on the export map
A Plymouth initiative has been introduced to give city-based exporters and those considering selling their goods or services overseas for the first time, the advice and support needed to help them succeed.
More than 60 business representatives attended the launch, which was held in conjunction with an international trade event.
The aim of the Plymouth International Trade Club is to stimulate interest in international trade; encourage the exchange of knowledge and experience; provide a programme of events relating to different aspects of export and provide a forum for businesses to access expert advice.
Co-ordinated by Plymouth Chamber of Commerce and UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), the club will encourage Plymouth businesses to export through a supportive network which will bring together experienced exporters and those with little or no experience at regular intervals throughout the year.
The club's first event will take place as part of National Export Week in May 2013.
On his trip to Plymouth last year, Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Lord Green, issued a challenge to businesses in the South West to double their exports by 2020.
Despite the immense potential of the region, the South West continues to under-perform in terms of export, particularly when compared to other regions in the UK.
Council Leader Councillor Tudor Evans introduced the Plymouth International Trade Club, saying: "I am delighted that Plymouth Chamber and UKTI have put together this initiative in response to Lord Green's export challenge. We should be concentrating on Plymouth's innovation and growth and be making every effort to boost links with companies worldwide.
"There is so much going on in Plymouth and we have the drive and determination to forge links on a global scale. The city's future successes rely on a mix of organisations establishing partnerships and working together.
"Plymouth City Council will continue to work closely with UKTI and Plymouth Chamber of Commerce and I wish this initiative every success."
The international trade event, 'Going Global: Discover Your Export Potential', was run by Plymouth Chamber in partnership with UKTI and featured a programme of speakers who delivered expert advice on how businesses can export their goods and services to the international market.
Nicola Evans, Head of International Trade for UKTI in the South West, opened the event, saying: "UK products and expertise are highly valued across the globe and exporting can be a fantastic opportunity for firms to grow, expand and support the local economy. The journey to export can be complex but there are many support programmes, specialist advisers and sources of funding available to assist the process.
"We are excited to be working with the Chamber and look forward to meeting and working with more Plymouth businesses in the future to help increases the level of exporting in the city."
During the morning, Joanna Jeffery, founder of Plymouth-based Read Successfully Ltd, shared the inspiring story of her company's successful journey to export.
In its first year of trading Read Successfully Ltd, which produces educational games to help children with Dyslexia learn to read, made a profit of £15,000. Four years later, the company now makes the same amount every fortnight and is a fantastic example of how South West businesses can go global, with regular exports to Australia, New Zealand and Dubai. They are currently researching the American market.
Other speakers included Anthony Peake of GOSS Interactive on utilising social media in order to investigate and network with overseas markets, Julie Ounsworth of HSBC on cash-flow management and risk mitigation, and Ian Pring of Francis Clark accountants on how international tax issue affect doing business abroad.
A group of Trade Commissioners representing a diverse range of countries also delivered presentations which gave a unique insight into the economies, export markets and consumer profiles for specific destinations and how to do business there.
The group included business representatives from the China- Britain Business Council, the UK India Business Council, the Embassy of Belgium, the British Embassy in Tallinn, Estonia, and the UK's Trade Delegation of the Russian Federation.
Antoaneta Becker, China Business Advisor and Manager of the China-Britain Business Council, said: "China is in the middle of a consumer revolution and the UK brand is doing extremely well - from food and drink to fashion, green technologies and luxury goods. The country's urbanisation drive and the Chinese government's determination to clean up the environment will present major opportunities for UK businesses for years to come."
David Parlby, Chief Executive of Plymouth Chamber of Commerce added: "The launch of the Plymouth International Trade Club marks the start of Plymouth's answer to Lord Green's challenge. The club will be a central tool in ensuring that we deliver an end-to-end service for businesses that want to export and to support those already exporting who want to expand.
"Engaging with markets around the globe for exporting, importing and inward investment is fundamental to establishing economic growth, not only for the city of Plymouth but also for the UK as a whole."
More information about the Plymouth International Trade Club is available at www.plymouthinternationaltrade.com
