Earlier in March, I accompanied 10 British SMEs on a trade mission to Atlanta, organised in partnership with The Guardian and UPS. This was to help the companies prepare, learn and expand into the world’s largest market.
The mission included CEOs and Directors from companies producing everything from luxury chocolate (Montezuma’s), hayfever and allergy relief (HayMax), kinetic energy floor tiles (PaveGen) and portable outdoor ovens (Aquaforno). The Guardian’s Executive Editor Jo Confino said "if you were stuck on a desert island, these 10 companies would have everything you needed to survive!"
Day one of the mission included a welcome speech from Jim Barber, President of UPS International, where he shared nuggets of wisdom with the delegates including how they shouldn't try to conquer a whole market in one go and should speak to people who want you to succeed, like UKTI and UPS. Further endorsements of UKTI’s services were heard during the course of the mission, particularly from UK entrepreneurs who had succeeded in the market and were happy to share their advice.
James Anthony, President of Enrich LLC said: "When I first came to the US, I knew UKTI were there but didn't approach them, big mistake. I learnt that the networks won't find you, you need to find the networks". Brett Lauter, President, Decluttr/MusicMagpie agreed, commenting that "UKTI is a great resource when trying to expand in the US".
Matt Sheahan, Chief Operating Officer, Triumph Motorcycles emphasised that there is brand equity in Britishness. He said: "The UK's reputation for Formula One and high technology is in our DNA."
As well as receiving inspiration from their peers, the delegates were also introduced to major buyers. Two delegates on the trip even travelled out to trade shows in Tennessee and LA to make the most of their time in the market. Another landed a significant business deal within four days.
The companies were also able to engage in innovation workshops, with guests from Coca Cola Enterprises, Interbrand and Iris Worldwide helping each of them focus on how to communicate their brand in the market, identify strategic partners and influencers as well as using digital channels. The companies also visited UPS Headquarters, where they saw behind the scenes how their products, once shipped to the US, would be treated like a ‘guest of honour’ in their facilities, delivered safely to customers.
Being part of my first trade mission, I have never been so proud to see the value that UKTI brings to UK companies. I witnessed it in every hand shake, business deal, in every testimony from a leading CEO or the president of a multinational corporation. Being able to see first-hand that a small company really can make it big with our help was so rewarding to be a part of.
At UKTI we've been emphasising the three P’s - People, Priorities, and Partners. This trade mission was an exceptional case study of the three P’s in action. HQ and Post working together - People - to deliver UK trade, even in tricky markets - Priorities - and achieving all of this alongside great Partners. Thank you to The Guardian Small Business Network and UPS for working with us on a fantastic trade mission! Here’s to future success and business wins for each of the 10 companies.
Find out more about the Guardian Small Business Trade Mission
2 comments
Comment by Richard @ HealthAndSafetyFocus posted on
Congratulations on your first trade mission. It seems it had a great impact on you. I like what the guardian’s executive editor said about the companies "if you were stuck on a desert island, these 10 companies would have everything you needed to survive!” That made me smile!
Comment by Kelly Dolan posted on
Thanks Richard appreciate the feedback! I agree, a great quote from Jo and so true!