Member Article

North East firms join UKTI digital creative summit

North East firms will attend a creative business summit next week as part of UKTI’s “export for growth” challenge.

Capitalising on the British Business Embassy held during the Olympic Games, the Digital and Creative Business Summit will showcase British business and urge the region’s companies to compete on an international level.

Hosted by UKTI and held in Gateshead’s Baltic Business Quarter, the summit will hear from the Minister for Culture, Jeremy Hunt, who is expected to speak on the influence of creative industries on the world stage.

Design Network North’s Terry McStea will also put a spotlight on the performance of creative industries in the North East, as well as showcasing local companies that are already part of UKTI’s “export for growth”.

David Coppock, UKTI’s Regional Director said: “Many North East companies are already proving time and again that we can compete on the world stage and our performance continues to be at a record high with more than £13.75 billion worth of goods exported in the last year.

“Nationally, the creative industries employ around 1.5 million people and account for almost three per cent of UK Gross Value Added, about £36 bn.

“This sector is one in which the North East can already boast world-leaders and we’re keen to encourage others to follow in their footsteps.

“We’ve set ourselves an ambitious target to help create 500 new exporters by 2015 and I’d urge anyone considering starting to export or looking to enter new markets to come along to find out how we can help.”

North East organisations can join UKTI at the event held at The Northern Design Centre on Thursday 30th August.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .