Member Article

Leeds businesses urged to sign up for free overseas sales advice

Businesses in Leeds are being invited to sign up to a unique new regional initiative aimed at boosting the international economic success of the Leeds City Region by promoting overseas trade.

ExportExchange offers free advice to firms new to selling overseas from companies that are already successful exporters. Over 50 experienced Yorkshire export businesses have already signed up to become official ‘patrons’ of the scheme, including Holbeck-based telecoms business AQL and chemicals specialist Surfachem, also based in Leeds.

Victoria Boldison, ExportExchange network manager, said: “There are lots of sources of information out there on selling overseas but the difference with ExportExchange is that fledgling exporters can tap into genuine practical advice from people like AQL founder Dr Adam Beaumont who have already built up years of experience in overseas markets to become successful exporters.

“Businesses who sign up to the programme can choose the patron with the experience relevant to their own industry and target overseas market. That’s the kind of invaluable help that money really can’t buy.”

She added: “The programme seems to have really struck a chord with businesses in Leeds and right across the city region and we have had large numbers of companies signing up online since we launched at the end of June. I would urge any businesses interested in selling overseas go to the ExportExchange.co.uk website and register for the free advice and support on offer.”

The ExportExchange programme is backed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP), and delivered by the Department for International Trade, and private sector media, marketing and export specialists.

Under the initiative, the patrons, all experienced exporters and business leaders from across the Leeds City Region - which covers Skipton and Harrogate in the north, Barnsley in the south, and York - will share their expertise on every aspect of exporting and growth with new SME exporters.

First hand advice, based on years of global trading in diverse sectors and markets, is central to the initiative and mentoring will also be on offer for businesses that are looking for help with trading overseas.

For more information and to register go to www.exportexchange.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Emma Kilmurray .