UKTI Export week success in Yorkshire and Humber

More than 500 businesses supported a dedicated week of activity across Yorkshire and the Humber encouraging SMEs to consider international trading.

They showed their desire to compete in foreign markets by attending a series of events organised by UK Trade & Investment to provide expert guidance and insight.

Activity is now underway to build momentum from Export Week, and that companies of every shape and size can lead the way in the global race.

“It was great to see so many companies at the events we organised, including a number of new faces keen to learn more about opportunities in Europe and in high growth markets further afield, “ explained Mark Robson, UKTI Regional Director for Yorkshire and the Humber.

“The central message we tried to relay was that we have a wealth of enterprising SMEs across the region who are already achieving success in all corners of the globe, and we have many, many more that have the products, skills and expertise to follow. The analogy of ‘they can do it, so can you’.

“The dialogue I heard during the week was extremely encouraging, and I hope UKTI can now provide practical assistance to help companies on their way.”

The flagship event during the week was ExploreExport at the Queens Hotel in Leeds, which offered delegates one-to-one meetings with officials representing British Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates in 64 different countries.

More than 800 sessions took place during the day in total, and attendees included some 150 companies who were new to UKTI alongside existing exporters keen to learn more.

Other events included ‘Can You Export?’ sessions in Rotherham, Tingley, North Ferriby and Grimsby aimed at newcomers to international trade, and a launch event for a business festival to support next year’s Yorkshire Grand Depart.

The week ended in Sheffield with ‘The World of Exporting’ and a keynote address from international brand specialist Rita Clifton, a former strategy director for Saatchi & Saatchi. She was supported by Hamish Smith from RBS; Jonathan Tate from Deloitte; and Jim Keir, regional manager for UK Export Finance (UKEF).