Member Article

Major projects and exporting opportunities will be unpacked at North Wales business conference

Industry leaders will give delegates the inside track on the region’s major projects and how to tap into lucrative international markets at this month’s Business Growth North Wales conference.

The event at Theatr Clwyd in Mold, on September 26th will be held by the North Wales Mersey Dee (NWMD) Business Council, and compèred by the BBC’s Jamie Owen. It will feature a packed agenda focusing on the China and USA export markets, major project opportunities, tourism and more.

Speakers will discuss major projects in the region and explore how businesses based in North Wales can make the most of international exporting opportunities and connect with fast growing emerging economies like China – alongside major markets like the USA. Businesses will also be able to access advice from a wide range of leading experts and business advisors during the day.

Jessica Zhang from the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC), and Colin McCullagh from international trade and investment consultants OCO Global, will explore exporting opportunities in China’s trillion dollar market and ‘Trump’s America’, respectively.

Wales has experienced huge growth in exporting over the last five years. Exports from Wales were up by nearly 12% in the year to March and had increased at a faster rate than the UK as a whole, figures show. The value of Welsh exports in 2016-17 increased by £1.4bn on the previous financial year.

Ashley Rogers, Chairman of the North Wales Mersey Dee Business Council, said: “Our North Wales businesses have substantial export opportunities given the strength of their products and services. Fast-growing markets like China offer huge growth potential for them.

“America is also a key target market and our experts will be able to share their insight and experience on how changes in the US market, could offer new sales opportunities.

“It is an exciting time for the region, with a host of major projects – including multimillion pound investment in our advanced manufacturing capability - now moving forward. This presents an unmissable opportunity for North Wales businesses and our panel will be on hand to give the inside track on the latest developments and the best routes to engage with these significant projects.”

Jessica Zhang, China Business Adviser at the China British Business Council, said: “China is a country brimming with opportunity for exporters. It’s not called the ‘trillion dollar marketplace’ for nothing and there are a host of new business opportunities available to companies looking to engage with China.

“I’m delighted to be taking part in the North Wales Business Growth conference and look forward to giving ambitious companies the inside track on how best to engage with this exciting, fast-growing economy.

Colin McCullagh, Director UK & Ireland, OCO Group, said: “Wales has an historically strong trading relationship with the USA, but the market is undergoing interesting changes both politically and economically and it is important to understand the current landscape and the opportunities it presents for British exporters. OCO is the trade delivery partner for DIT in the US and we have successfully supported many UK SME’s to enter and grow the US market. I’m looking forward to meeting with North Wales businesses and helping them to explore further trading opportunities with the world’s biggest economy.”

The opportunities stemming from major projects across the North Wales and Mersey Dee region, including the Wylfa Newydd £12bn development on Anglesey, will also be unpacked.

Iwan Trefor Jones, Lead officer, North Wales Economic Ambition Board, said: “This is an exceptionally exciting time for investment in North Wales and there are solid opportunities for our local businesses within these major projects. Investment levels run into the billions and local companies should investigate how to get involved. I look forward to outlining some of the key opportunities at the Business Growth Conference.”

Charlie Seward, Deputy Chief Executive Cheshire West & Chester Council, said: “Across the Cheshire and Warrington area, we are experiencing substantial investment, driving growth for businesses across our wider region. I am looking forward to highlighting the major projects that local businesses should be aware of.”

Companies attending the event will also be able to connect with a wide range of expert support agencies and organisations including Business Wales, Finance Wales, the FSB, Wrexham Glyndwr University, Bangor University, North Wales Export Club, Wales Co-operative Centre, North Wales Tidal Energy, WC & NW Chamber of Commerce, Careers Wales, Coleg Cambria, BIC Innovation, Superfast Business Wales, the NW Economic Ambition Board, the IOD, Nat West Cymru, the Mersey Dee Alliance and Grŵp Llandrillo Menai. For Conference tickets call Theatr Clwyd box office on 01352 701521 (tickets are £25 plus Vat inc. buffet lunch) or go to www.theatrclwyd.com.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Henry Roberts .