After Exeter I drove up to Worcester for the Export Factor an event where over 100 companies from the West Midlands met to hear how UKTI can support them to export. The West Midlands, with its dominant automotive, minerals and metals and advanced engineering industries, has had a tough time in the recent recession. Unemployment has risen sharply. The Export Factor brought together businesses that were looking to export their way out of the slump.
I got to present some of the opportunities for doing business in Australia to the companies at this event – a good use of my time. I was able to highlight the strength of the Australian economy that has ploughed on through the downturn without going into negative growth (it has however slowed). The Australian government has identified a significant amount of stimulus money and several large investments into items such as a national broadband project. I was able to highlight key opportunities in education, health, road/rail, housing, environmental technologies, advanced engineering, ICT and biotechnology. These opportunities, coupled with a familiar business environment and growing economy make Australia a key target for many UK companies.
I met with a large number of companies including the award winning (Dragon’s Den) Magic Whiteboard. What a company, I can see them struggling to meet demand it is such a fantastic product – check out the website and let me know what you think.
The main highlight of the day for the companies was a speech and discussion with Lord Davies of Abersoch CBE our Minister for Trade, Investment and Small Business. Lord Davies spoke directly to the many businesses in the room explaining that he was working in the centre of government to support and build the business environment. He explained that export credits needed to be reviewed and access to venture capital improved. He acknowledged the problems in the UK economy but highlighted the strengths that are still evident in high quality manufacturing and services. We should be confident about promoting our skills and the quality of our businesses.
Birmingham tomorrow (I am running a little behind time – will try and catch up)
