BRIEFING

viewpoint my world

ADRIAN SWINSCOE SPEAKER AND AUTHOR OF RARE BUSINESS

The high-profi le acquisitions of UK technology companies like Tweetdeck and Autonomy in recent months have caused quite a bit of chatter about whether UK tech entrepreneurs sell out too early. Is there some

romantic idea behind this debate? Some longing for the UK to spawn the next facebook or Apple? Are we disappointed with UK entrepreneurs when they sell to bigger players? Looking at the Autonomy deal, HP’s offer was 64 per cent above its market value. Too good to turn down for investors and all involved? Perhaps. Particularly given assurances that Autonomy will be able to continue as an ‘autonomous’ unit (pardon the pun!) within the HP family. So, do UK tech

entrepreneurs sell out too early? Only they know. Perhaps everyone else should concentrate on

celebrating, supporting and nurturing the talent that we obviously have.

10 | springboard | www.ukti.gov.uk

UK exports set to soar

GLOBAL TRADE WILL CONTINUE to grow faster than world GDP in coming years, presenting huge opportunities for internationally focused UK fi rms, according to HSBC. Addressing delegates at the Exporting for

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Growth event at London in November, Brian Robertson, HSBC Bank plc’s chief executive, offered a positive medium-term outlook for UK exports. “We all know the short-term economic outlook is diffi cult, but we are confi dent that global trade will continue to grow faster than world GDP,” he said. “We are forecasting an increase of 73 per cent in global trade volumes over the next 15 years, driven by signifi cant consumer demand in faster-growing economies. “China, India, Mexico, Brazil and Indonesia will be among the world’s fastest-growing importers over this period. There will be great opportunities for businesses able to access these markets.”

Search on for UK mobile innovators

THE SMART UK PROJECT, in association with UK Trade & Investment, is searching for the UK’s most innovative mobile company in the run up to Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2012. The project, a collaboration between

UK Trade & Investment and XL Communications, aims to reward cutting- edge developments in mobile technology. Shortlisted companies will attend an exclusive networking event in January to demonstrate their credentials. Finalists will pitch to judges from industry, fi nance and the media as part of UK Trade & Investment’s programme of events at MWC in February. The winner will be invited to participate in a high-profi le technology event later in the year.

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According to Robertson, six key economic hubs will drive trade over the coming decade – the UK, the US, Germany, France, India and Greater China (including Hong Kong). “There’s no doubt that in each of these countries there will be plenty of people who want to buy British goods,” he said. “We expect UK trade volumes to increase by 60 per cent by 2025.” Speaking about the role small fi rms can play, Ian Powell, UK chairman and senior partner of PwC, added: “The UK has a very international business culture and is well placed to take advantage of opportunities – particularly in Asia and emerging markets. In a recent survey of our SME clients, more than half said they expected to expand into new geographical markets as a key element of their growth strategy.” See page 22 for details of the Exporting for Growth initiative, supported by HSBC and PwC.

Environmental fi rm opens gateway to Gulf

A NORTH EAST FIRM specialising in environmental solutions and emissions testing has opened a new gateway to the Gulf with the help of UK Trade & Investment North East Region’s Virtual Export Manager (VEM) initiative. Hetton Le Hole-based EPA, one of the largest independent emission testing laboratories in the UK, has since developed a strategic plan and visited the Gulf region. Charles Bell, director at EPA, said: “VEM has given us a kick-start in our efforts to break into the Gulf and we’re now set to sign up with a local partner. We’ve developed important relationships with potential business partners and it’s clear there is massive potential for further business for us.” International trade adviser Jeff Thompson, who has worked closely with EPA, is keen to encourage others to look at the opportunities offered by the Gulf and will be leading a market visit to Dubai and Abu Dhabi on 20-27 January. epa-services.co.uk

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