Government exporting scheme to help Yorkshire and the Humber businesses

Exporting is GREAT, the Government’s export initiative to urge 100,000 more businesses to trade overseas by 2020, wil aim to target SMEs in Yorkshire and the Humber later this month.

The 32 tonne Exporting is GREAT truck will tour the region from 23rd November to 30th November along with international trade advisors and other export experts on board to provide face-to-face advice, expertise and presentations to both first time and established exporting businesses.

As part of the scheme, first-time exporters are invited to attend to register their interest in ‘live’ export opportunities, access tailored support to help them trade overseas, learn about other Exporting is GREAT events and subscribe to a Government guide to exporting.

The roadshow truck in the Exporting is GREAT initiative will be located in Wellington Place, Leeds between 8am and 4pm on Monday, 23rd November and 9am and 4pm Tuesday, 24th November.

Between 8am and 10am on the Monday, first-time exporters can attend a presentation on ‘Not Difficult Just Different - Five Steps To Exporting’, after which an export opportunities clinic for both first-time and established exporters runs from 11am to 4pm.

Tuesday’s focus will on Winning Export Opportunities In China, with an export opportunities clinic following on from 12noon to 4pm including Google.

Shane Nolan, Google’s director of small business sales, said: “Today, every business can be a digital business and sell to the 2.5 billion consumers online by using the power of the web. At Google, we want to be a growth engine for UK e-exports and we urge businesses of all sizes to reach out to our Digital Garage team who will provide advice on the tools and services that can grow and promote their products across the EU and around the globe.”

A Lead Trainer for the Google Digital Garage Leeds will provide a 1-2-1 clinic on the truck at Queens Dock Avenue in Hull between 11am and 12.30pm on Wednesday, 25th November as part of an export opportunities clinic from 9am to 3pm.

The roadshow then moves on to the Advanced Manufacturing Park Rotherham (AMP) for Thursday, 26th November and Friday, 27th November.

The Thursday begins with the ‘Not Difficult Just Different – Five Steps To Exporting’ presentation for first-time exporters from 8am to 10am. Between 1pm and 2.30pm, Jon Gillgrass, International Director, Santander Corporate & Commercial South Yorkshire & Humber, in partnership with UKTI will host a working lunch and lead a presentation for businesses in the food and drink sector entitled ‘A Taste of Yorkshire In International Markets.’

Jon Gillgrass said: “Santander is dedicated to supporting businesses to start or expand their international operations, and this is why we’re proud to support the Exporting is GREAT campaign across both the UK and South Yorkshire & the Humber regions.

“We are delighted to be partnering with UKTI Yorkshire & Humber and the Sheffield City Region LEP at the Not Difficult Just Different event on 26th November. This aims to help entrepreneurs looking to take their first step in exports and businesses wanting to get top tips on expanding overseas operations. Exporting can play a crucial role in helping businesses to achieving their growth ambitions. It is also beneficial for the Sheffield City Region & wider UK economy.

“Santander & UKTI Yorkshire & Humber will also host A Taste of Yorkshire In International Markets. This event will help businesses in the food and drink sector understand the export support available and how to discover new opportunities in the global market.”

Thursday will also feature a Lead Trainer for Google Digital Garage Leeds presenting on reaching new customers online between 11am and 12.30pm.

On the second day at AMP, there is a presentation on the The Festival of Opportunities in export, an export opportunities clinic including Google and the presentation on reaching new customers online between 11am and 12.30pm.

Its final day in Yorkshire on Monday, 30th November, the roadshow will visit Harrogate Pavilion.

Mark Robson, UKTI regional director for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “The presence of the Exporting is GREAT campaign truck in Yorkshire and the Humber presents first-time and experienced exporters with an invaluable opportunity to get tailored and expert advice first hand from our international trade advisors.”