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SOUTH WEST BUSINESS NEWS
Opportunities exist in China
South West businesses in exporting push
International trade secretary Liam Fox has said up to 400,000 businesses ‘believe’ they could export but are not doing so. But several West businesses are already trailblazing export opportunities in China. Bristol and West of England
bureau chief executive Dianne Francombe said: “As the Government steps-up efforts to persuade more companies to export their products, several West businesses are already breaking through the cultural and language barriers – and making inroads into ‘top tier’ markets. “As the Chinese economy continues to grow, The Bristol and West of England China Bureau is working hard to provide the links, introductions and a supportive environment through our various networking and information events on how businesses can access these exciting new markets – which will become increasingly vital to our economic as Brexit negotiations unfold.” Jonathan Smith, Business
West market specialist on China, said: “There are currently a number of local companies active in China, and others who have been looking at ways of getting in to the market. “It is great that we can work
with the China Bureau to encourage businesses to continue their journey and in managing the complexities of Chinese – and British culture.” The latest companies to
open trading links to China include: 6 O’Clock Gin Bristol, Fine Cheese Co, Bath, W.D.M Limited, Bristol and Bookbarn International, Hallatrow.
If you are interested in developing your business in China visit
www.chinabureau.co.uk 8 insight NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 Mandy Paterson, chief operations officer, Rob Perks, CEO, and Henrietta Brown, business development director
Growth specialists set example by expanding
For a company dedicated to helping businesses grow, it is certainly a case of ‘practising what you preach’ for Inspire. In partnership with the Goldman Sachs’ 10,000
small business programme, which brings 100 hours of fully funded expertise to support SMEs across the country, Inspire provides resources to ambitious firms across the South West looking to grow their businesses exponentially. And the Wiltshire-based business
the wider south west region. Helping our Elite clients deliver their growth ambitions is at the centre of our business and building our team further to take this to new areas and more businesses will be challenging but also exciting.” Mandy Paterson has been promoted to
‘With further announcements
support organisation, which recently moved into new headquarters, is rapidly growing and expanding its services thanks to several recent internal appointments and new additions to the team. Henrietta Brown has been promoted to business
to follow, Inspire is set to expand even further’
development director to head up and develop the team of business advisers and lead the expansion into new geographic areas. She said: “I am delighted to be joining inspire’s Board and leading this ambitious phase in our growth across
the role of chief operations officer to lead Inspire’s finance and marketing functions. She said: “I am thrilled to have a wider role within our expanding team that provides impartial, genuine and highvimpact support to our members and growth groups alike. 2019
is set to be a record year and I can’t wait.” With further announcements to follow, Inspire is set to expand even further, and CEO Rob Perks said: “I am delighted with these strong appointments. One of our messages to clients is
that businesses should not stand still, and they will bring another level of drive and expertise to take Inspire forward towards its objective of being the leading support organisation for growing businesses in the region.”
Contract won with funding boost
A Bristol-based fire and security business has won a new contract with major development Hinkley Point C, with support from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. Astron Fire & Security, launched
in 2010, is a family-run business based in Portbury. The firm delivers fire and security services such as fire alarms, CCTV and access control to commercial and residential customers across the South West and South Wales. The company has now been appointed to install fire extinguishers and CCTV cameras to on-sight accommodation at the Hinkley Point C Campus that will house 500 contractors working on the HPC project.
Astron will also undertake the
annual maintenance of the fire alarm, intruder alarm, and IP CCTV systems for the next eight years. The firm turned to Lloyds Bank
to secure a £90,000 specialist infrastructure loan, which has been designed to help small firms access supply chain opportunities and to fulfil larger contracts. The funds have been used to
cover the wages of an extra on-site engineer, a new van to transport equipment and £20,000 worth of laptops for its engineers. The operation is set to boost Astron’s annual turnover by 25%. Greg Van Laun, director at
Astron Fire & Security, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to be involved in a project like Hinkley
Point C. Not only does this expose our engineers to large-scale, national developments, but allows us to grow our professional network. “The funding has been invaluable and, in many ways, a stepping stone for us to engage in a big-name project. “The team at Lloyds Bank fully understood what we were trying to achieve and we look forward to working with them again in the future.” Lloyds Bank announced the
launch of its £100m fund to help small businesses take advantage of supply chain opportunities in the construction of EDF Energy’s Hinkley Point C nuclear power station, in Somerset.
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