INTERVIEW
and build a regional tourism offer - organised a visit to China to further build ties between Midlands-based companies and China, with exports of goods from the Midlands to China having more than doubled between 2010 and 2015. “We took 58 delegates to that mission from 36
organisations across the Midlands,” explains Ian. “These comprised a combination of businesses, universities
and local authorities. The mission included an integrated programme not just on trade but also on highlighting the investment opportunities for Chinese investors. It was a very successful visit with more planned for 2017/18.” Trade missions constitute just one way in which the Department for International Trade and the Midlands Engine work to enhance the profile and prospects of regions such as the East Midlands. “We’re also working with every LEP in the Midlands to
represent the region for the first time at MIPIM in Cannes, the world’s leading property market,” says Ian. “It’s the first time there will be a combined Midlands
presence and it will really showcase that the Midlands has something to offer and that within the Midlands there is great diversity and expertise.” While the East Midlands proudly stands alone as a significant and identifiable entity in its own right, Ian is in no doubt that working together with the West Midlands creates a unified strength that enables the Midlands area – worth around £222bn as a regional economy – to become greater than the sum of its parts. “There are a lot of commonalities across the Midlands
from advanced manufacturing, healthcare, construction, food and drink, they are all sectors that have a resonance across the Midlands. When you are talking to a very large economy such as China and you look to present a coherent commonality around 11.5 million people, 28 universities, a £220bn economy, that makes them stand up and take notice as they realise the Midlands has a lot to offer. “At MIPIM, for example, the region will be identified as Midlands UK and that overarching identification I think is good. There’s a challenge for us to ensure that overseas interest understand where we are in the country. We’re in the middle of the country, we connect the north with the south and have a diverse economy that can provide you with everything you need.” Closer to home, the UK’s relationship with Europe
remains a largely uncertain one, given its decision on 23 June 2016 to leave the European Union. While Ian will understandably not be drawn on the specifics,
he does believe that Europe will continue to be an important ally to the East Midlands moving forward, irrespective of the wider issues. “The challenge and focus for the East Midlands hasn’t changed. We still need to increase the number of exporters, ensure we’re extracting the maximum amount of value from our trade deals and we’ll continue to pursue that objective,” says Ian. “Our focus is to grow the number of exporters and to
attract high quality investments. Europe is a very big market for the East Midlands, 49% of our trading is with Europe, 51% outside the EU. It will continue to be a significant marketplace for lots of reasons so, irrespective of whatever broader changes happen, we will continue to encourage our companies based in the East Midlands to trade with countries in Europe.” While public-facing activity such as the ‘GREAT’ campaign offers tremendous exposure and profile to the work being undertaken by the Department for International Trade and its stakeholders in assisting the UK generally and the East Midlands specifically, it is underpinned by strategy and ambitious targets. “Generally, exporting is growing across the country although there is still an over-reliance on imports in some sectors. “What will prove really helpful moving forward is the Department for Business's consultation on the Industrial Strategy, which will seek to make the UK one of the most competitive places in the world to start or grow a business. We need to make sure our businesses here in the East
30 business network March 2017
Ian Harrison, Regional Director for the East Midlands at the Department for International Trade
Midlands have the best opportunity to grow and the best support to grow. From my point of view, we can then take whatever they make or sell internationally into the markets that are relevant and appropriate to them through our international networks of Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates. “We also need to make sure there are more opportunities for new businesses to export. We have a focused effort around new exporters because we want to ensure that by 2020 we are generating 100,000 more exporters as well as rising the value of exports to £1tr.” So what of the future? What is certain is that the East Midlands has a lot going for it and is well positioned to grow both from a reputation and economic perspective. While Ian concedes there is a lot of work ahead, the
foundations are in place for a prosperous short-, mid- and long-term future for the region. “The prospects are good. There’s underlying growth and
exports are steady. I also think there’s a big opportunity to join forces across the Midlands. What we’re trying to do is harness that collective strength to maximum effect. “I think that’s a pretty powerful story and if we can
harness that then we can really capitalise and ensure that all the benefits reach local areas as well.”
‘There’s a big opportunity to join forces across the Midlands. What we’re trying to do is harness that collective strength to maximum effect’
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