Staffordshire businesses encouraged to find out more about how to expand through exports

Staffordshire businesses can continue to get the backing they need to expand through exports and grow the local economy through two upcoming events sponsored by the Local Enterprise Partnership.

The events in October and November will give an insight into how to overcome perceived barriers to export and give them a broader knowledge of tapping into overseas markets. These issues are among those being addressed at the New Markets, New Horizons events across Staffordshire and include a lack of awareness of cultural norms, language barriers and lack of knowledge about overseas customers and distributors.

The events have been organised by Staffordshire County Council and UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) to provide tailored advice and support to small businesses wishing to start exporting. The have been successful at encouraging business participation and allowing them to develop and progress their exporting plans.

Businesses from across the county are now being urged to attend one of the next two events. The first is on Tuesday October 22 at the Ramada Hotel, Bridge Street, Cannock followed by one in Burton-upon-Trent on Tuesday November 12 at The National Brewery Centre. Both start at 7:30am and finish at 10am.

They are aimed at businesses with little or no experience of exporting their goods or services and provide opportunities to network, debate and seek expert guidance. The New Markets, New Horizons sessions are being supported by the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

Derek Brown, from Tamworth-based Database Design UK Ltd attended the Lichfield event. He said: “It was probably the most valuable and productive meeting we have had this year.  We had no idea that this level of support was available. We’ve applied to join the Passport to Export programme and a dedicated, relevant adviser has been allocated to us to provide further help.”

Anyone interested in attending either event, should email business@staffordshire.gov.uk

Further details on previous events can be found by visiting www.staffordshire.gov.uk/exporting