Redcar and Cleveland SMEs could win £4k export help

SMEs in Cleveland and Redcar could win £4k of exporting help from experts at UKTI through a new competition.

The Get Set to Export competition aims to encourage businesses to reach new markets, and is linked to UKTI’s Passport to Export programme.

Teesside firm Guardian Marine Testing (GMT), recently named North East Exporter of The Year, is getting behind the initiative.

Managing director Andrew Shaw said that he would encourage companies to grasp opportunities like this, as competitions have been an important part of growing the GMT business. He explained: “Winning our very first award, the Best New Business Award, was a tremendous boost for morale and confidence.

“It gave us a validation that we were doing the right things and that others more experienced than us were giving GMT a superb vote of confidence.”

The competition is open to all small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs), which have an active Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council trading address and pay business rates to the council. Wilton Centre site director, Steve Duffield commented: “This is a fantastic opportunity to grow a business and we are proud to be able to sponsor it. “The guidance and expertise on offer from UKTI has proved invaluable to many of our tenants and we are firmly behind any initiative that will help drive business success in this region.” Mark Hannon, the council’s cabinet member for economic development said: “We want to encourage and support our local businesses to explore international opportunities. “The competition will provide the winners with the assistance needed to break into new markets across the globe, bringing new money into our local economy and creating new jobs for local residents.”

Winners will be registered onto the Passport to Export Programme and receive expert business advice from a local international Trade Adviser.

They will also receive support through UKTI’s overseas teams, access to an Export Communications Review and grants for visiting the overseas market.

Entrants need to complete an online application form describing their export idea in no more than 200 words. The shortlisted applicants will then present their ideas to a panel of experts in mid March 2014 who will select the winners.

Further details and application forms are available from enquiries@uktinortheast.org.uk or via 08450 505 054. The deadline for submission is February 28 2014.