Partner Article

Hundreds take part in International Business Month

Hundreds of North East firms intending to tackle the challenge of international trade have signed up to take part in International Business Month. UK Trade & Investment has joined forces with One NorthEast, the North East Chamber of Commerce and other partners across the region to host the free event, which runs throughout March. International Business Month offers a programme of workshops and seminars for both new and experienced exporters, at venues throughout the North East.

David Coppock, UK Trade & Investment’s International Trade Director, said: “While the North East has an impressive record in international trade with more than £10 billion of goods and services exported each year, only around five per cent of the region’s companies are exporting. “And we are keen to encourage more companies to take on the challenge of international trade and help those already involved to access new markets.”

Events during the month cover a wide range of topics from general advice for new exporters taking their first steps into international trade, customs requirements and finance to the importance of market research and visiting the market to meet potential customers face-to-face. Several events focus on specific markets including China, India, America, Russia, the Middle East, France and the Nordic region while others look at sectors such as engineering, the creative industries and chemical, bio and pharmaceuticals. There will also be a Port of Blyth Open Day and a marketing masterclass looking at opportunities arising from the 2012 London Games.

For more information, a full programme of the events and to register your interest call the North East International Trade Hotline on 0845 05 05 054 or email: enquiries@ukti.rito.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .