Member Article

Leeds exporters to advice new traders

Exporters in the Leeds City Region have gathered to support newcomers to foreign trade, to help them find opportunities in international markets.

A new network, called the We are International Export Network, will see experienced traders offer advice to other businesses who are looking to export.

Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) will support the scheme along with UK Trade and Investment and Chamber International, to potentially add £2.6bn to the local economy.

Networking events will start in Leeds on the 12th March, with a series of satellite events in Bradford, York and Huddersfield where attendees will be able to watch keynote speeches by video link.

Tim Bailey, director of Chamber International, Bradford, said: “Many of the barriers to exporting are practical so this is very much about giving businesses the hands-on help they need.

“Our network of Export Champions, recruited from experienced exporting companies, can assist firms overcome these obstacles by giving them contacts and invaluable tips.

“The benefits of exporting are enormous. Research shows that businesses selling goods and services overseas are not only more profitable and innovative but achieve faster growth and are much more likely to survive.”

Leeds won one of the Government’s tailor made ‘City Deal’ packages last year, which prioritised a export boost out of the region.

The City Deal hopes to cancel Leeds’ current £1bn trade deficit and achieve a growing surplus of £1.6bn by 2018.

Neil McLean, chair of the Leeds City Region LEP, commented: “What’s unique about the We are International campaign is that it’s primarily about connecting new or aspiring exporters with companies that have been there and done it already.

“We’re extremely grateful to our export champions for giving their time and expertise to help other companies break into overseas markets, and help our economy punch its weight on the global stage.

“We have some fantastic export success stories in this City Region, and I hope that as many companies as possible will take advantage of the Export Network to learn about the practicalities of entering new markets, and develop new business connections.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .