Published: April 21st, 2017
With the launch of the Midlands Engine economic plan, there are exciting times ahead for businesses in the region. One way for companies to grow is to start exporting – and to help, the Department for International Trade (DIT) West Midlands has created Kick Start, an initiative that will help to inspire businesses as they start to explore overseas trading.
DIT helps hundreds of businesses across the region with their goal of global success. At first, some are surprised that there could be an overseas demand for what they make, create or offer and many have admitted that it had not occurred to them to trade abroad. But a quick look on great.gov.uk – a portal that has more than a thousand opportunities overseas – and it is evident that British expertise is in huge demand.
To help businesses begin their export strategy, the free-to-attend DIT Kick Start workshops on May 4 will show businesses why looking to trade abroad will benefit them and their bottom line.
They three events – two of which will be held at the NMC Centre in West Bromwich, while the third will be at the Custard Factory in Birmingham – have been split into sectors: automotive, advanced engineering and construction; creative, retail, food and drink; and professional services, tourism and IT.
Businesses unable to attend the one earmarked for their sector or if their specific sector isn’t listed, can sign up for one of the others.
The West Bromwich workshops are being hosted by international strategy and marketing expert John Harrison from JH Market Strategy, and entrepreneur Angela Maxwell, director of Acuwoman, will take the lead in Birmingham. Their aim is to inspire delegates and get them thinking about taking the first steps on their export journey.
DIT international trade advisers will also be there to offer advice.
It’s also worth visiting the DIT’s new online trade hub, great.gov.uk, part of the Government’s Exporting is GREAT initiative, where you can browse through thousands of export opportunities.
For more details about the DIT Kick Start workshops, or to secure your place, visit www.kickstartevents.eventbrite.com or telephone 0345 222 0159.