EXPORTERS
Among these was London-based Muubaa, which specialises in suede, leather and sheepskin garments. It subsequently received numerous orders from Brazilian wholesale retailers. RBS has joined forces with UK
Trade & Investment to deliver a series of programmes that demonstrate key business opportunities across 12 Asian markets to UK fi rms. Scott Barton, CEO of Global
Transactions Services, at RBS says: “We want to encourage British businesses to do business in Asia. The Asian markets offer extensive and diverse growth potential for UK companies. Businesses still need a helping hand to demystify trading with Asia. We hope this campaign will make a real difference in helping fi rms of all sizes succeed in Asia.”
DE-RISKING GROWTH Advisers can have a key role in improving a SME’s chances of success in new markets. Mary Monfries, a partner at PwC says: “We work with a lot of SMEs in the growth stage who are expanding overseas and schemes like this help de-risk their investment. “We can help them build on the experience of other clients who may be entering similar markets, for example by showing them more strategic ways to expand, such as following customer demands into new markets.” PwC is well placed to advise SMEs on issues such as tax or VAT. It can also advise whether a local company needs to be set up in the trade destination and how it should be structured to comply with local legislation. Monfries adds: “We can help them understand what they have to do in each country on the ground.” The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) has launched a Business
Advisory Service supported by more than 2,000 of its members, who are offering two hours of free advice to businesses. Clive Lewis, head of enterprise at the ICAEW says: “It’s becoming increasingly common for even small practices to have clients say they want to set up overseas and asking questions. We’re working to raise our members’ level of attention on exporting and make them comfortable answering questions about it.” To assist business advisers in supporting SMEs, UK Trade & Investment has published a ‘white label’ export guide, which has already been taken up by more than 20 fi rms. Companies can brand the guide as their own to help their clients explore the potential benefi ts of exporting, the issues exporters face and the sources of help for UK fi rms. One company already using the guide
is Birketts LLP, a top 100 law fi rm with a strong regional presence in the East of England. It will launch the guide at a series of exporting seminars in Norwich, Ipswich, Cambridge and Chelmsford. Andrew Wood, a consultant at Birketts LLP says: “This guide is invaluable to helping both fi rst time and more established exporters to make the most of international trade opportunities.” The Government has also announced a new online platform, Open to Export, delivered by Yell which will launch as a beta in spring 2012. This will provide SMEs with advice, peer-to-peer and professional support from service providers, including expertise from across the UK Trade & Investment network. SMEs can register their interest at
www.opentoexport.com With growing support, there’s never been a better time for an increasing number of SMEs to develop their businesses overseas. ■
NORTH WEST LEADS REGIONS
More than 200 delegates attended the fi rst of 12 regional events planned as part of the initiative. Firms in the North West heard how they will be helped and encouraged in their attempts to boost their exports.
Speaking at the event on 12 December at the Concorde Conference Centre at Manchester Airport, Clive Drinkwater, regional director of UKTI North West, said: “I am determined to drive up exports and the number of exporters in the region, and am setting a target of at least 1,000 new companies in the North West beginning their export journey with our help in 2012. “Too many of our smaller fi rms are missing out on these opportunities. All they have to do is to pick up the phone and ask to speak to an international trade adviser.” The event was well attended
by representatives from trade associations, banks, accountancy and legal fi rms, the Local Enterprise Partnership, Chambers of Commerce, regional and private sector networks and companies.
LET’S DO BUSINESS TO FIND OUT MORE about the Exporting
for Growth initiative, contact Nicky Russell on 020 7215 0164, visit
www.ukti.gov.uk/ exportingforgrowth or email
thenationalchallenge@ukti.gsi.gov.uk
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