Signs the economic recovery is underway are everywhere.
Last week, we heard that the UK GDP has grown by another 0.7% in the third quarter of 2014, with all the main sectors of the economy growing steadily, in particular services, manufacturing and construction.
And the week before, we learnt that the number of unemployed people in the UK is now below two million for the first time since 2008, with the East of England having the highest employment rate of all UK regions, at just under three million.
In this region, companies are growing, employing more people and investing in skills. And many – if not all – of the most successful amongst these also choose to grow their business abroad.
From professional training and biomedical consultancy to hi-tech hardware and IT management systems, from exclusive chocolates and organic pet food to home furnishings and kids fashion - the array of East of England businesses now trading overseas is impressive in its diversity.
But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a great deal more potential for the region to grow through exports.
That’s why UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is holding its sixth Export Week (10-14 November). Hundreds of companies have already signed up to attend the seminars, master classes, one-to-one meetings, workshops and networking events which have been designed to inform and inspire businesses to think about exporting. Whether you are a novice, an experienced exporter, or somewhere in between, we can help you grow your business through exports.
The very essence of Export Week is to encourage the region’s businesses to consider – or expand – their overseas potential. UKTI has a wealth of support on offer to ease the process and, most importantly, an experienced team of local export advisers to help. Firms will get advice and support to make the most of what they’re already doing, or identify the right new markets and how best to access them.
One of the key events during the week is Explore Export at Newmarket Racecourse on 11 November. Firms will be able to meet one-to-one with senior overseas UKTI commercial staff with on-the-ground knowledge about a wealth of opportunities in over 60 markets. Nowhere else in the region can you get so much export expertise under one roof, so do try and join us – there are still a few places left.
We also have many more events during the week, including an event which will give you the skills you need to optimise your web presence for international trade, on 12 November; and another which focuses on Brazil as a high growth market, on 13 November.
If you are successful in the UK, there is no reason why you can’t sell abroad – but you do need to do your research and plan properly. So come along to any of the events during Export Week and tell us how we can best help you. You can find more information at http://www.exportweek.ukti.gov.uk
You can also follow us on Twitter @UKTI, or @UKTIEast if you're in the East of England and take part in the conversation using #exportweek.
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