By Daniel Hunter
Global business experts from six continents and over 40 countries are set to travel to Gatwick to help local firms boost their exports at a UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) event, this month.
Going Global in a Day, at the Holiday Inn Gatwick on 22 October, will give firms the chance to have one-to-one meetings in person, with Heads of Trade who have travelled from British Embassies and High Commissions in key markets across Africa, the America’s, the Caribbean, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East.
Latest HMRC statistics reveal that the South East continues to be the biggest regional exporter, with the total value of exports from the South East for the first half of the year at £22.66 billion.
Lewis Scott, UKTI South East’s Regional Director, said: “It seems rather apt to hold this prestigious event in Gatwick as it is such an important strategic base for the South East.
“Exporting is the key to boosting the fortunes of the UK. Here in the South East we produce and manage a wide range of products and services for which there is demand both at home and abroad, from finance and professional services to food processing and aviation.
“Our experts can help put companies from Sussex and the rest of the South East on the map and boost our local economy, at the same time as helping businesses to grow and create jobs.”
The event will give firms the chance to speak to experts who live and work in the markets they represent and who will provide tailored advice on how to succeed overseas. Representatives come from some of the key markets for the South East including the USA, the EU and some of the key high growth markets including, Brazil, Colombia, China, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.
UKTI’s Director of English Regions, Guy Warrington, will attend.
Lewis continued: “I would urge firms to sign up to this event as it’s not often a business gets the chance to meet so many international experts in one place, so it is a great opportunity to build up a network of contacts and find out more about the sources of support available.
“While the EU continues to be the South East's largest exporting market, countries like India, Brazil, and Singapore have shown the greatest growth potential. Exports to Latin America and the Caribbean have leapt in value from £175 million in the last quarter of 2012 to nearly £330 million between April-June 2013. While exports to Panama have nearly doubled in this time frame, and exports to Ethiopia have increased by almost a third. So now is a great time to find out more.”
Ron Crank, Chief Executive of Coast to Capital LEP said: "Our goal is to create a high performing economy with a global outlook. Boosting international trade is a priority for Coast to Capital and we welcome initiatives like this which highlight the opportunities overseas for companies in our area.”
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