Exporting is a key way to grow your business. If women-led small businesses grew and exported at the same rate as the average of all small business employers, Britain could have up to 10,000 more exporters.
Yet the percentage of women led businesses exporting was only 13% in 2012, according to the last BIS Small Business Service. (This compares to 19% for all SMEs).
It’s been suggested that key barriers to women exporting include not having the mind-set to move into exports; not having access to finance and not having the necessary business contacts and experience.
In terms of contacts and experience - while the West Midlands has many excellent women led business networking groups - very few of these are focused on exports. Also, there aren’t many high profile women business champions in the region who act as role models to inspire others to trade internationally.
That’s why in the West Midlands we’re keen to help and encourage many more women led firms to start exporting, or increase their exports.
And it’s why next month, we’ll be holding our 3rd annual Women led business event in partnership with RBS, which is designed to help women led business overcome some of these barriers. The ‘Expand your horizons’ event will take place on 13 November at Austin Court, Birmingham, from 3pm - 7.30pm.
At the event, companies will have the opportunity to learn from the experience of others: we have three fantastic speakers representing diverse companies at various stages of their exporting journey – The Little Coffee Bag Company; Phoenix Calibration and Balance Me.
An audience of more than 100 experienced and less experienced exporters from the region have already signed up to attend the event, but we can take more people if they’d like to come along. Partners and other business support organisations will be on hand to provide advice on all aspects of exporting.
We hope as many women as possible are able to join us. As well as the many established women led firms in the region, we know there are also many women who have grown hobbies into businesses. These small, often new firms get enquiries on-line from overseas customers and owners may not know how to maximise this export opportunity further.
Our first women led business event in 2012 was a small event targeted at new exporters. Last year, the event was bigger and better with a real buzz; great networking opportunities and inspirational speakers. For example, Nicky Thomson, of Nicky Thomson Knitwear spoke about how she started producing knitwear in her home and is now selling to Japan and opening up markets in China. I am sure many of those listening were inspired to try their hand at exporting as a result of her story.
This year is set to be the biggest and best yet. Our aim is to show that exporting is possible for any women led business. All it takes is determination, the right advice, a bit of inspiration and support. Come along to our event and find out if you too can bring your product or service to an international market.
To book a place at ‘Expand your horizons,’ or any of the events taking place during Export Week, log onto the Export Week website
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