Member Article

UKTI regional-director urges North West firms to export

Businesses in the North West have been urged to explore export opportunities by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) in the region.

Clive Drinkwater, regional director for UKTI North West, has encouraged companies to stay ahead of the game by investigating routes into Brazil, Russia, India and China, as well as expanding markets like Colombia, Indonesia, Africa, Eastern Europe and Qatar.

Mr Drinkwater commented: “In ten years’ time world population will have grown by a further 1 billion people, almost all of that in emerging, high growth economies.

“With our current biggest markets experiencing the slowest growth rates, we desperately need to embrace the opportunities that exist in developing markets or risk being left behind.

“An ability to trade anywhere in the world will be a defining characteristic of the most successful business of the future, enabling them to reach many millions of potential new customers and we want to help companies achieve this objective.

“It is, therefore, very encouraging to see North West firms leading the way in tackling some of these growth markets but we need to do better still.

“Currently 7 of the world’s top 10 fastest growing economies are in Africa. In 10 years’ time all of the top 10 fastest growing economies will be in Africa.

“Across the world, countries are experiencing levels of growth unattainable in Western Europe and we need to make sure we are sharing in that growth.”

UKTI North West will be holding an ‘Export Week: High Growth Markets’ event between 13th and 17th May to boost the region’s exports to expanding markets.

Mr Drinkwater continued: “UKTI’s previous Export Week in the North West was a huge success with almost 800 companies attending 17 events across the region, and we also expect our High Growth Markets Week in May to generate a real profile for the benefits of trading with developing economies.

“Through our events we will be offering access to British Ambassadors and international trade experts from a wide range of countries, who will be able to give advice, answer questions and explain opportunities in their respective markets.

“Our team of locally based International Trade Advisers will also be on hand to work with businesses on a one to one basis.

“I will also be visiting some of the best of the North West’s businesses who will be sharing the stories of their success in tackling new markets.

“Our competitive edge in technology coupled with world class creativity and innovation provide us with a great advantage and UKTI is here to offer a comprehensive programme of assistance to help firms make growth in trade a reality.”

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