Member Article

Redcar and Cleveland firms' chance to win thousands in support

Redcar and Cleveland businesses with exciting export ideas can win thousands of pounds worth of advice and support.

Redcar and Cleveland Council has teamed up with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and The Wilton Centre to look for the best ideas in the area for the Get Set to Export Competition.

The competition is open to all small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs), which have an active Redcar and Cleveland trading address and pay business rates in the area.

The three winners will gain access to more than £4,000 worth of advice and support and will be registered to UKTI’s flagship Passport to Export Programme.

The competition is perfect for companies that have products and services that could be sold overseas but need a helping hand to know where to start.

Mark Hannon, Redcar and Cleveland Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: “Working with UKTI and The Wilton Centre we want to encourage and support our local businesses to explore international opportunities.

“The competition will provide the winners with the assistance needed to break into new markets across the globe, bringing new money into our local economy and creating new jobs for local residents.”

Steve Duffield, Wilton Centre Site Director, said: “The Wilton Centre is proud to sponsor such an opportunity for local SMEs to enter the export market with the best support available. This is a fantastic opportunity to grow a business.”

Stephen Muir, UKTI’s International Trade Adviser for the Redcar and Cleveland area, added: “It has been proven time and again that exporting helps companies to grow and we’re determined to ensure they have the support they need to succeed in the global race.

“There has never been a better time for Redcar and Cleveland’s businesses to break into new international markets and it is through initiatives such as this and our recent Export Week initiative that we aim to help them take advantage of the opportunities available.”

Winners will also receive support including expert business advice from UKTI and their overseas teams and close mentoring from an International Trade Adviser.

To enter, all any SME needs to do is describe their export idea, no matter how big or small, in no more than 200 words; why they consider it is a good and workable idea and why it is the right time to convert it into an international business opportunity.

Applications must be received by Friday 16 May, 2014. For more details of how to apply and the wide range of support services available through UK Trade & Investment to help your company succeed overseas call the North East International Trade Hotline on 0845 05 05 054 or email: enquiries@uktinortheast.org.uk. You can also follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/UKTINorthEast.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by UKTI North East .