Commonwealth Greater Birmingham
Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce Contact: Jamila Davis T: 0845 6036650
Chamber passes 100 member milestone
By Jessica Brookes
Greater Birmingham Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce (GBCCC) has surpassed a major milestone. More than 100 national and international
organisations have joined the Chamber, which aims to develop bilateral trading relationships with Commonwealth countries. One of those firms which has joined the Chamber just after it passed the century milestone is video production firm Lilac Howell Films. The firm, based in Staffordshire Technology
Park, Stafford, works on a number of projects, such as promotional, animated, and internal communications films. Lilac Howell Films has produced films for Birmingham Children’s Hospital ‘Big Hoot’ campaign, Dunelm, Galloway Forest, Network Rail and ATS Euromaster.
‘Those looking to do business in Commonwealth should have audio visual as part of their communications’
The firm has even dabbled in work in
Commonwealth countries, including projects with Brit Asia TV and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Behind the firm’s glossy productions are Steve
Cranston, creative director, and Anthony Howell, commercial director, who both have extensive experience in the sector. Now, the firm has joined the GBCCC in order
to further the business, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary during September. Lilac Howell Films is particularly keen to help
SMEs use of video to promote their products and services to a wider, online audience. Anthony said: “From our perspective, those
looking to do business in Commonwealth should have audio visual as part of their communications. “There is definitely a need for members to use
video more often and more effectively, especially to cut costs and have a greater online presence. “However, we are very clear with our clients as
to ascertain why they are using film and what return they will receive from it. “We have worked with numerous clients
across multiple market sectors, some increasing their company’s awareness exponentially, others increasingly understanding of their services, whilst others have saved several hundred thousand pounds by using video as training tools and utilising this online.
100 up: Jamila Davis
Keith Stokes-Smith: Government must prioritise commonwealth trade
Report identifies our top trading partners
By Keith Stokes-Smith, President of Greater Birmingham Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce
The Royal Commonwealth Society has published interesting findings about which Commonwealth nations or regions the British regard as the most important trading partner for a post-Bexit UK. Top of the list was Australia followed by
Canada, Singapore, New Zealand, India and South Africa. In the Midlands, India ranked second, where it was fifth in the national poll. Singapore was the second most important
Commonwealth market for SMEs, with India the most important for micro-businesses. Nearly one third of businesses said the Caribbean was an important market. That mirrors the export figures of four years ago. Commonwealth markets certainly offer
“Through Chamber membership, we’ll be
spreading this message even further.” Since joining the Chamber, after meeting
Jamila Davis, senior business development manager for GBCCC, Lilac Howell Films has been introduced to the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Hub. The Growth Hub has since commissioned Lilac
Howell Films to conduct smart phone video training workshops, which help SMEs understand how to film, edit and publish their own films, which can be used to promote their own products and services. Ms Davis said: “Lilac Howell Films has been a
really proactive member of the Chamber since joining, and has demonstrated such enthusiasm for video and helping SMEs develop their own skills. “Businesses such as Lilac Howell Films are a
crystal clear example of the interesting and exemplary firms that have joined the Commonwealth Chamber since its inception. “We hope to welcome even more businesses
to the Chamber, who are looking to grow, network and develop their trading relationships with Commonwealth countries and businesses interested in the Commonwealth.”
export opportunities for our businesses so what are they waiting for? The Commonwealth is four times the population of the EU, has emerging markets, and a growing middle class with money to spend on quality British products or services. Are our businesses too risk averse? It is
an issue because a 2017 Bibby Financial Services report stated: “Currency fluctuations, logistics, paperwork and managing duty, VAT and freight payments are the biggest headaches for importers and exporters.” It is tempting to begin with those
geographically close or where English is spoken. SMEs should spend time researching the demand for their products and services, relevant laws and customs before deciding on an export destination. The Chamber has hosted a number of
trading events which have included some of the above countries. We have no idea how the post-Brexit environment will emerge, but whatever the outcome, the UK government must prioritise Commonwealth trade opportunities.
September 2019 CHAMBERLINK 41 Commonwealth Chamber Patron
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