For many companies new to exporting, the thought of doing business overseas can be a daunting prospect - and for some it may seem like ‘mission impossible.’ However, given that research shows exporting businesses have improved productivity and sales, innovate more and are more profitable than those who don’t, exporting cannot be ignored.
But where do you start?
There is a wealth of support available to the region’s businesses to help prepare them for exporting including free expert advice, training courses, informative events and access to a wide range of information and tailored market research. But it is through organised Trade Missions that many companies finally take their first step overseas.
Trade missions provide participants with unique access to high quality information, business contacts and officials that would be virtually impossible to achieve alone. They also provide participants with an opportunity to benefit from the knowledge, contacts and experience of others travelling with them.
Trade missions play an important role in the toolbox of any company involved in international business. With good preparation and follow-up, missions can be great door-openers and participants can often achieve sales and sign contracts on a first visit if they have done their homework well. Such visits also provide invaluable business contacts, partnership possibilities and the opportunity to access hands-on and up-to-date market information and research.
Participating in an organised trade mission is a great way to quickly get the feel and flavour of a country, and to determine if and where the opportunities lie. In short, there is also no better way to learn about the culture, customs and business environment than getting on a plane and seeing it for yourself.
At UKTI South West we are planning trade missions to numerous countries throughout the coming year, including countries which are experiencing tremendous growth such as Brazil, Vietnam, India, China, Turkey and Indonesia, as well as to the more traditional and established export markets of USA, Canada, Australia and Europe.
Many of these emerging and high growth markets are the also the focus of events throughout the South West during Export Week on 13-17 May 2013, where you can find out more about these countries and the opportunities that exist. And to help the region’s businesses further, I’m delighted to announce that we have also teamed up with British Airways, to offer a 25% discount to South West businesses booking flights for many of our long-haul trade missions.
So, with the support of UKTI and our partners, I hope you’ll agree that exporting most definitely doesn’t have to be ‘mission impossible’ for businesses that are looking to take up the export challenge.
To find out more about UKTI’s planned trade missions and services, visit www.ukti.gov.uk, call 0845 60 60 969 or email enquiries@uktisouthwest.org. You can also find out more about the many Export Week events taking place across the South West on 13-17 May at www.exportweek.ukti.gov.uk.