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Ray Jones from RTC North talks going global with bdaily

Throughout our conversation Ray Jones, head of business consulting at RTC North Ltd stresses the need for North East businesses to take advantage of the opportunities the export market presents.

“You’ve got to grab it with both hands – markets are developing and now is the time to invest in them,” he explains. “There is a tendency for SMEs in the North East to cut costs because the UK market is in difficulties, but what they really need to do is punch their way out into a growth scenario.

“While it can be risky to invest in overseas markets, businesses have got to do it to offset their losses. It’s a risk versus reward situation.”

RTC North specialises in business consultancy to help North East businesses excel, whilst in turn supporting the local economy. Ray has spent over 17 years working in senior management positions helping businesses develop globally, and the knowledge he obtained during this time has proved invaluable in the course of his work at RTC North.

“When developing a business aboard, a different skills set is needed. After looking after foreign operations for many years, I believe I can provide the practical insight to help SMEs in these new markets.”

While the prospect of exporting may be easier said than done for many SMEs, Ray is incredibly encouraging, and after he explains the process it seems a far less daunting prospect.

“No one has pulled out of the export process with us for around eight years, which is something we’re immensely proud of,” he says.

“We will take a client through the process from their initial ideas to operational set up. It’s often an educational curve, but businesses tend to be full of confidence by the end of the process.”

After many years travelling the world through his work, Ray was always keen to return to the North East. Despite this however, he is keen for RTC North to open out its services to other parts of the UK, and the business has already established offices in Leeds and the North West.

“I feel we provide a unique service here at RTC North: we have experience in financial and tax services and have worked within a vast range of sectors, which allows us to look at businesses from the inside out to help them grow.”

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