Member Article

Electrical installations expert named Midlands Engine Export Champion for third year

Mick Ventola, founder and managing director of Ventola Projects, a Leicestershire specialist in electrical and lighting installations, has been confirmed as one of the Department for International Trade’s (DIT) Midlands Engine Export Champions for the third successive year, it has been revealed.

The appointment is further recognition of Mick’s continued delivery of lighting projects in the US, the UAE, Germany and Saudi Arabia. First brought in as an Export Champion in 2018, Mick has travelled the world flying the flag for British Exports at conferences, conventions and summits. He has also spoken to scores of Midlands businesses explaining the global opportunities available to businesses considering exporting their goods and services.

Ventola lighting installations appear across the East Midlands, having worked with The Curve Theatre in Leicester and Loughborough University to name but a few, but also throughout the UK, for example, at Ten Entertainment Group venues.

However, Mick’s role as a successful exporter has seen him achieve and retain champion status. Despite the pandemic, he has continued to complete projects in the US, where he has forged a network of distribution and installation partners. Much of his work this year has seen Ventola assist businesses in a hospitality and entertainment industry looking to bounce back from pandemic shutdowns worldwide.

Just last month, for instance, the ribbon was cut on Thunder Road, a new 30,000 square foot facility in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where Ventola’s VAvR range of multifunction LED systems are the centrepiece of a 21st century bowling experience.

Mick described the weight of responsibility he feels at retaining the Export Champion role at this critical point in time.

“We have two very big things going on at the moment in Brexit and COVID-19. The pandemic saw UK exports shrink by almost 20% between February and April. So, as the UK mounts an economic recovery and forges new trading partnerships around the world, it is vital we get exports moving again.

“My role, then, is to share some of my knowledge and experience and inspire British businesses. There is an enormous world of opportunity out there. It’s no secret that the UK is among the most advanced countries in terms of skills and ingenuity but I’ll do my best to reimpress that on the people I interact with in different environments.

“Obviously, this year is a little different. I won’t be collecting as many air miles as in previous years for understandable reasons but the DIT are lining up a number of virtual online events at which my colleagues and I can really start championing UK exports.

“I’m looking forward to the release of the government’s new export strategy scheduled for later this year. That should breathe fresh momentum into the ongoing efforts of both the government and UK exporters and set out ways in which the DIT can help companies looking to establish an international presence.”

Ian Harrison, Director of Export, Department for International Trade – Midlands, introduced the third cohort of Export Champions, saying “The new strategy will work in tandem with the innovative free trade agreements we are agreeing with partners around the world. We are determined to ensure that businesses and sectors are able to resume trading internationally as their markets reopen, so that trade plays a full part in the recovery of the UK and global economy.

“Our Export Champions will be on hand throughout the year at events, sharing their stories, insights, expertise and experiences. We are extremely grateful to them for committing their valuable time and acting as positive role models to inspire the next generation of international success stories.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ventola Projects .