Not sure who it was who said that those were the scariest words in the English language, but they probably got a round of applause when they did. When it comes to exporting, many companies do choose to rely on their own networks, or to work with consultants or other private sector specialists and would never think to call upon the government for help. But the UK government, along with many others round the world, still sees a role for itself in encouraging and facilitating its' companies trade ambitions.
The current government, in particular, which is aiming to stimulate a private-sector-led recovery, sees a crucial role for UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) in filling the gaps in private sector provision and offering an accessible, affordable route to overseas markets for UK companies. One very specific initiative which I was pleased to be involved in recently is the Asia Task Force, run in collaboration with RBS. Along with my counterparts from British Embassies and High Commissions across Asia, and a whole host of British businesses who've already successfully built a presence in one Asian market or another, I joined the latest version of this travelling roadshow to give companies all over England a flavour of the opportunities that exist for British business in Asia and some advice on how to access them.
I'm not sure that the rock & roll, it's Tuesday so it must be Newcastle lifestyle is for me - all those buses, planes and trains take their toll, especially when you've just flown in from a nice mild Asian autumn to the British Big Freeze. But the rewards make it all worthwhile. Of course the 300 or so companies that attended could have picked up the information we were able to give them from the internet, or hired a consultant to answer their questions. But it would have taken them a whole lot longer than the few hours they set aside for the Asia Task Force event, and cost them a whole lot more money. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and we're now in touch with dozens of companies for whom we see real potential in Japan, selling products from children's educational toys to bioinformatics services to portable aircraft hangars. So maybe there's no need to fear those dreaded offers of help from the government after all.
A further round of Asia Task Force roadshows is planned for February - see http://www.businessinasia.co.uk for details.
Sue Kinoshita
Sue.kinoshita@fco.gov.uk
UKTI Japan
2 comments
Comment by Guy Nelmes posted on
Quote was from Ronald Regan if anyone asks you later.
Best regards Guy
Comment by Guy Nelmes posted on
Quote was from Ronald Regan if anyone asks you later.
Best regards Guy