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BUSINESS WEST – CONNECTING BUSINESSES


INTERNATIONAL TRADE Event puts exports on a plate


Export markets are a major opportunity for firms of all sizes, and Business West provides a range of services to help you go global


event of the year. Despite growing concerns about the UK’s


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ability to trade internationally post-Brexit, the event was first staged in January and attracted a myriad of over 60 novice and experienced exporters looking to meet with European buyers. March’s event will see buyers from further afield attending to sample the delightful products of the South West from markets such as Australia, United States, Malaysia and Israel. FoodEx South West, a programme started by Business West and the UK government has been growing in popularity since its launch last year. It’s hoped that its flagship ‘Meet the Buyer’ event will succeed in pairing local food and drink producers with a range of international buyers to deliver an influx of new trade for the region. James Monk, director of international trade at Business West was asked about the ‘gloomy outlook’ surrounding UK exports post-Brexit: “We had 12 buyers from Europe and beyond


who met with our clients because they want to buy British products. They love the quality, they love our equitable trading, and our products are the cheapest they’ve been for decades. So who wouldn’t want to trade with us?” The South West of England is a renowned


region globally for its quality food and drink produce, and luxury chocolate, cider, cheese, tea, fudge and a huge range of ales were just a


n 22 March, the region’s food and drink producers will be setting taste buds alight at the second “Meet the Buyer”


few of the products attracting strong interest from the international buyers. Amanda Stansfield, owner of Taunton-based


Ice Cream makers Granny Gothards, already exports to Dubai but met with a series of new potential buyers in January, commented: "The event was fabulous; I met buyers from Turkey, Belgium and France who are all interested in both the retail and food service side of my business. I was thrilled to be involved because without the support of FoodEx South West and Business West I wouldn't have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with international buyers." Majid Lazraq from Wonderfood, a Belgium


based distributor, said: “I have had clients for years who love very unique and unusual food products for their stores and the South West of England always produces high quality unique products. In January, I met with Della Fox from Fox Gourmet Foods who shared a collection of jams; they were very British and I am keen to get the products in front of my clients.” FoodEx South West offers a range of free


support for food and drink companies who are looking to export their produce. This support service includes promotion of products to international buyers through an online directory and a virtual trade fair, as well as advice on IP, import tariffs and trading regulations.


If you are a food and drink producer, join FoodEx South West today by registering here www.businesswest.co.uk/foodex


Tetronics cleans up business overseas


With the support of DIT, experienced exporter Tetronics is making influential connections and positioning itself for further global growth. Employing 65 people and with a turnover of


£12.5 million in 2014, Tetronics develops bespoke environmental technology solutions and thanks to the support of DIT, this growth is set to continue in 2017. A Swindon-based pioneer in environmental technology with a strong global footprint, Tetronics supports the recovery of precious and base metals from spent catalysts, mining ores and electronics waste and removes the toxicity of industrial materials such as asbestos and air pollution control residues. “We are the global market leader in our


sector. Our technology is used in numerous geographies and applications and we therefore require a focused strategy to developing new and existing markets. DIT continues to help us develop that strategy and to ensure the relationships we hold and the connections we have are at the highest possible level. This puts us in the strongest position to win more business and further grow our footprint,” said Kate Colclough, group marketing manager.


16 insight MARCH/APRIL 2017


Tetronics has succeeded in securing export opportunities in the Far East, China, EU and the USA. It aims to increase its exports to these and other target markets. The company works closely with DIT in order to achieve these ambitions and is a good example of how DIT can help experienced exporters and established small medium enterprises with the next phase of growth. “We have developed a strong


partnership with Tetronics. The support we provide opens doors and adds credibility to the business development process,” said Andrew Fraser (pictured), international trade adviser.


Spotlight on China Tetronics first exported to China in 1992. As China’s economy, population and wealth has grown, and environmental legislation has tightened, so have the opportunities open to Tetronics. Within the next few years, Tetronics will be


totally self-sufficient in China, with its localised office housing technical support, commercial, sales and marketing functions. That will also


then be a springboard to servicing other operations in the Asia-Pacific region. “China is a vast market with many different provinces and layers of political influence. As Tetronics seeks to identify regions that could benefit from its services, DIT provides market intelligence and makes introductions to decision makers,” said Andrew.


Sizing up the Americas The company’s next strategic focus will be in the Americas; both north and south. Trade missions are planned and Tetronics is working closely with the respective embassies, their local South West international


trade adviser and DIT sector experts


to ensure the best approach. “Tetronics exemplifies the exceptional


green engineering capability of the South West. The international business it is capable of winning represents high value opportunities. “We are very proud that green technology innovation is coming from our region and we do everything we can to showcase it on a global level,” said Andrew.


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