Member Article

UKTI encourages North West female entrepreneurs tackle international export challenge

Clive Drinkwater, Regional Director of UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) North West is challenging North West businesses to reach out to one more market, as the region prepares for the fifth national Export Week.

Export Week takes place from 10 – 14 November with a range of free events aimed at helping companies across the UK to make the most of their overseas potential – and this year, women in exports are a key focus.

If women-led small businesses grew and exported at the same rate as the average of all small business employers, Britain could have up to 10,000 more exporters.

Yet the percentage of women led businesses exporting was only 13% in 2012, according to the last BIS Small Business Service. (This compares to 19% for all SMEs).

It has been suggested that key barriers to women exporting include not having the mind-set to move into exports; not having access to finance and not having the necessary business contacts and experience.

Another perceived barrier for some women may be cultural issues, but none of these factors needs to be an issue.

Sarah Galbraith, Director of The Galbraith Muir Consultancy, recently visited Al Khobar as part of a UKTI North West Trade Mission.

She said: “I have been contemplating Saudi Arabia as a potential target market for some time. I had done enough homework to know there was an opportunity for my company’s services, but never moved forward with anything, perhaps because I anticipated cultural differences as a businesswoman.

“The trade mission came at the right time in my business calendar, and offered me a ‘comfort zone’ as a first-timer, to travel around and evaluate the market.

“Mumtaz Abdulla, one of the female Commercial Officers in Al Khobar, gave me an excellent insight, informed me of the relevant dress code and what I should expect.

“When I was out in public I wore an Abaya and had a head scarf at the ready, but as a woman in business there was no issue at all in my talking to male or female decision makers.

“I went there to fact find and connect with potential business partners, with the aim of gaining new business by 2014. I came away with some really substantive opportunities and am now busy following them up. I would now be quite happy to visit on my own, especially knowing that the British Trade Office is there for support and guidance.”

As part of UKTI’s Export Week there will be a series of Women in International Business Forums taking place with all female panel sessions. There are some places still available, and companies can sign up via the Export Week website or by contacting the UKTI North West International Trade Team.

The events and locations are:

• Women in International Business Forum - Burnley FC, East Lancashire, Tuesday 11 November

• Women in International Business Forum - Chester Racecourse, Cheshire, Wednesday 12 November

• Women in International Business Forum Formby Hall, Southport, Merseyside, Thursday 13 November

Clive Drinkwater, UKTI Regional Director North West, said: “During Export Week and beyond I want to encourage businesses to reach out to new markets.

“If every current exporter in the region achieves this, we could increase the GDP in the North West by an estimated £2 billion, significantly aiding economic recovery and giving a boost to our competitiveness as a region.

“We have a considerable number of female entrepreneurs in the region – many of whom are UKTI Export Champions - and we are keen for more women-led businesses to come along to our events and make the most of their export potential.

“As well as the many established women led firms in the region, we know there are also many women who have grown hobbies into businesses. These small, often new firms get enquiries on-line from overseas customers and owners may not know how to maximise this export opportunity further.

“Our aim is to show that exporting is possible for any women led business. All it takes is determination, the right advice, a bit of inspiration and support.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .