27/10/09 Additional funding set to support oversees success
Business & Enterprise North East (BE-NE) is predicting a rise in North East success in oversees markets, following an increase in support services for firms in the region.
Business & Enterprise North East (BE-NE), the organisation that runs the Regional International Trade Office in the North East, has recently secured additional funding from the European Union to encourage more firms to explore international trade and to provide greater access to specific expertise.
The funding will provide financial support for firm’s export plans, provide hands-on support from appropriate export professionals and it will also fund the development of a virtual international trade "hub" which will draw all regional and national expertise and support together on-line so they can be easily accessed by businesses.
More than 1,300 firms will be helped to export by the scheme, ensuring the region benefits from successful international trade and enabling North East businesses to achieve rapid export growth.
The £6m grant will be added to £3m from export support agency UK Trade and Investment and another £3m contribution to come from participating companies.
BE-NE has been delivering the Regional International Trade Office, on behalf of UKTI, since April and has already had a huge impact on hundreds of North East businesses. The additional services will complement the Regional International Trade Office service, which are already being delivered.
The key services include Passport to Export, which targets novice exporters and provides in-depth support and expert advice for businesses on developing a structured export strategy. The programme also gives access to a unique overseas network of British Embassies and Consulates along with one to one support from International Trade Advisers (ITA).
The Overseas Market Introduction Service enables direct communication between North East companies and any of the UKTI commercial teams located in its global network of Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates.
The service puts businesses directly in touch with staff in UKTI offices overseas that can give focused business advice on specific entry markets and can support those who want to visit foreign countries as part of their export planning process.
Gateway to Global Growth is another free UKTI service to help experienced exporters develop further overseas opportunities. It includes an International Business Review to help provide a clear picture of a company’s current export profile and the actions required to achieve its export objectives and develop new opportunities.
As part of this service companies are given practical support and assistance identifying and approaching potential new business contacts and in producing market reports.
Other services and tools delivered through the UKTI and its ITA team include extensive market research schemes, Export Communications Reviews that help tackle language and cultural barriers, and free online business opportunities updates that can be accessed through the UKTI website.
Nicki Clark, assistant chief executive of Business & Enterprise North East, said: “We are fortunate to have a large number of innovative businesses in the North East that are ripe for expansion into overseas markets. By offering support and guidance, BE-NE will ensure that the region’s enterprises stand the best possible chance of entering foreign markets, and succeeding in them.”
“There has never been a better time to explore trading overseas, and I urge companies to make the most of the enhanced support services available and to take advantage of the current competitive pound, which makes UK exports more competitive in foreign markets.”
The UKTI service forms a key part of BE-NE’s integrated portfolio of services – which also includes the region’s Business Link, North East England Investment Centre, North East England Service Provider Register and North East Employer Coalition.
For more information about the range of services available through UK Trade & Investment, companies should contact the North East International Trade hotline on 0845 0505 054, email enquiries@ukti.rito.co.uk or log onto the website at www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk/ukti/north_east.
Alastair MacColl with UKTI members
Media Contacts
Matt Hipgrave
Press Ahead
Tel: 0191 5166235
Mob: 07960896327
Email: mh@pressahead.info
Louise Robinson
Press Ahead
Tel: 0191 5166235
Mob: 07960896327
Email: lr@pressahead.info