The Exporter - Inaugural Issue

Page 1

INAUGURAL ISSUE | NOV 2016

A PUBLICATION OF THE BARBADOS COALITION OF SERVICE INDUSTRIES

Going Beyond

50

BCSI Launches Export Promotion Unit Economic Recovery Through ValueAdded Tourism

www.bcsi.org.bb

Collaborating to Win

26 16 40


2

T H E

E X P O R T E R

The Barbados Coalition of Service Industries Thanks

for facilitating the production of the Innaugual Issue of The Exporter Magazine and sponsoring National Service Week 2016.

National Service Week runs from November 8th to 14th, 2016. For more information visit www.bcsi.org.bb


WWW.BCSI.ORG.BB

minister’s message

As the minister

with responsibility for Industry, International Business, Small Business

Development and Commerce, I am happy to offer a few remarks on the launch of this inaugural online magazine, The Exporter, by the Barbados Coalition of Service Industries. The production and the real and intrinsic value of this edu-awareness magazine is not only a projection of the Coalition’s responsibility to enhance the services sector but it also illustrates the expansion of the industry over the past fifty years. In a clear and definitive manner, I believe that this publication is taking the Coalition in the direction it should go in fulfillment of its mandate and it adds to the achievements of the past year.

What is exciting about The Exporter is the noticeable effort to make it happen! It is seen as a natural corollary to this Government’s New Medium Term Fiscal Strategy 2013-2020 and Human Resource Development Strategy 2011-2016. More importantly to the service provider, it invites them to dare to

the hon. donville inniss Minister of Industry, International Business, Commerce and Small Business Development

dream in an environment that is a challenging one. It is for this reason why we at the ministry place so much emphasis on building a positive business culture within our country.

Too often it appears that businesses lack self-belief, are risk-averse and see regional and international market expansion as an improbable. As a result, many opportunities to explore go to waste. It is therefore up to us, individually and collectively to plough through problems and collaborate on all fronts to tie the knots and make it happen!

I am therefore pleased to commend The Exporter and I would like to thank the new Executive Director, his team at the Secretariat and other valued partners, stakeholders and service providers in the industry for their respective roles in the development of this publication. I hope that in this document and upcoming ones you will find the keys for the further expansion of the services sector in Barbados. I foresee the continued work of the BCSI as a most necessary one as we work collectively to attain our goal of making Barbados a world class destination for services.

3


4

T H E

E X P O R T E R

Thank you for giving the Barbados Coalition of Service Industries Inc. (BCSI) the honour of serving you this past year. I expect that we will continue to build upon the solid foundation of our past year’s achievements, many of which have focused on placing services and the services sector at the centre of a development vision for

PRESIDENT’s MESSAGE

Barbados.

The primary goal of the service coalition is to assist in the expansion of services sector. This means that our role is to help companies do more business through forward thinking. As a business support organisation we understand that our task is one that is both daunting and exciting. We therefore stand committed to tackling the very real challenges of the business culture. We dedicate our energies through the work of the staff of the secretariat, member associations and strategic partners in raising awareness, showcasing examples of successes in order to motivate and inspire and highlighting opportunities and offering export guidance.

As we seek to build on these positive signs, the BCSI will continue to collaborate as an association of associations and also with strategic partners.

wendell cumberbatch President of the Barbados Coalition of Service Industries (BCSI)


WWW.BCSI.ORG.BB

EDITORIAL

Dear reader, As the new Executive Director of the Barbados Coalition of Service Industries (BCSI), the agency with responsibility for the promotion of trade in services, it gives me great pleasure to launch this inaugural online edition of ‘The Exporter’ Magazine. A magazine which provides a broad perspective on the development of the services sector in Barbados. This magazine, effectively dubbed the ‘The Exporter’ is the first in a series of publications intended to provide industry stakeholders and the general public with a concise but clear picture of services.

This inaugural edition highlights some of the key projects and activities undertaken by the BCSI over the last year and also provides a synopsis of a number of key emerging industries within our economy including renewable energy, ICT, intellectual property and the cultural and creative industries. These are

GRAHAM CLARKE Graham Clarke is a Chartered Marketer and Current Executive Director of BCSI

all areas for future growth and development given their competitive advantage and subsequent editions of ‘The Exporter’ will focus on these industries and markets in more detail.

This year our theme is “Going Beyond 50” and I am heartened by the growing recognition of the services sector to the growth agenda of Barbados and the development of a services economy built on innovation, diversity and the maximization of our human capital. This is reinforced by the drive for excellence and the attention being paid to quality assurance within the sector and is a reflection of the fact that the business community is becoming more aware of the value and potential of the sector and are ensuring that they protect the proverbial ‘goose that will lay the golden eggs’ for our economy in the future.

It is against this background that we at the BCSI have developed the idea for this magazine – ‘The Exporter’ and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Secretariat on a job well done! We invite you to peruse these pages and be enlightened, educated and encouraged to not only make your contribution to the development of the services sector but also to take full advantage of the opportunities and benefits this sector offers to individuals who are willing to take on the risks.

Read on!

5


06

T H E

E X P O R T E R

contents Building Blocks Of The Economy Services In The Local Economy 08 Services Vital 09 Modes Of Supplying Services 10 Do You Know Your Value? 11

OUR COMPETITIVE EDGE ICT and Energy as a key services facilitators 14

16 Are we CAPITALISING on Barbados’ tourism product offering? 17 On the Lookout 18 The CARIFORUM-EC Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) 20 Doing Business with the French Caribbean 21 Economic RecoveryThrough Value-Added Tourism

IN-HOUSE NEWS BCSI Launches Export Promotion Unit 26

29 Quality Standards Key for Export 30

Management Consultants Sign MOU

Members’ corner Pushing ICT in Barbados 32 Voices in the Sector 35 David ‘ZigE’ Walcott: The Man Behind the Pan 37

Your Professional toolkit Why Join a Professional Association? 40 Collaborating to Win 42 Your Business, Your Image 44 Credibility Boosters 46


WWW.BCSI.ORG.BB

BUILDING BLOCKS OF THE ECONOMY

07


08

T H E

E X P O R T E R

Like the majority of the global economic community,

GDP. Finance and business represents about 42% of the services sector, restaurants 19%, wholesale retail 12% and transport and communications 11%.

Barbados’ economy and

Statistical reports of employment in the services

economic growth remains weak. Services however

sector was given as 94,700, representing 74% of all

remain the most important component of the

employed persons.

Services in the Local Economy

Barbados economy, accounting for over 80% of

HOTEL & RESTAURANTs

Construction TRANSPORTATION STORAGE & COMMUNICATION

Finance & BUSINESS

UTILITIES Personal

(incl. private health & education and other)

Value of the sector (BBD$ m)

$

WHOLESALE/ RETAIL

2321.8

1043.5

609.9

221.8

374.7

291.5

661.4

% of the services

42

18.9

11

4

6.8

5.3

12

EMPLOYED

17,800

13,200

14,600

17,400

20,300

% of the services sector

18.8

13.9

15.4

18.4

21.4

TOTAL SERVICES TOTAL ECONOMY

$

5,524.6 8,626

74% of services

8,500 2,900 9 94,700 128,316

3.1

73.8%

of the services sector


WWW.BCSI.ORG.BB

Services Vital

The services sector plays an integral role in the functioning of any modern economy: • From the important social role that health and education play in affecting the quality of life and human resource potential, • to the essential basic infrastructure created by construction, telecommunications, financial and energy services, • to the invaluable role transportation services play in supporting the traditional manufacturing and agricultural sectors, • as well as the value professional services impart in enhancing the competiveness of any business.

Our economies are made up largely of micro, small and medium size enterprises (MSMEs) which constitute the bulk of domestic production and employment. Recent statistics show that the services sector accounted for almost 71% of global GDP in 2010 and is expanding faster than either the agriculture or manufacturing sectors. Employment in the services surpassed that of agriculture in 2001; about 60% of men and 70% of women were in employed in service industries in 2010.

Through the expansion of global markets from increased openness across all sectors, M. Hustler and D. Primack. 2012. Harnessing Services Trade for Development: A Background and Guide on Service Coalition in African and the Caribbean. Toronto:

coupled with the context of the modern digital economy, the importance of the services sectors has become even more profound. Effectively all services have become potentially tradable through the internet and supply and demand has become global.

ILEAP (Backgroud Brief No.22)

The foundation for actively developing the services sector and supporting services has been laid.

09


10

T H E

E X P O R T E R

In international trade agreements,

market access for services exports is granted through four different means of delivery. These are referred to as “Modes of Supply” and it is important to understand how they work in order to appreciate how they might affect export strategy of a service supplier. The four modes with respect to services are as follows:

modes of supplying services

Mode 1 - ‘Cross Border Supply’

is when a service is provided from one country to another but neither the service provider nor the consumer leaves their respective country. When you purchase a book from Amazon.com, neither you nor the company move but you have purchases a book (retail services) electronically. Online consulting through ‘Skype’ is another example of cross border supply.

HOTEL TAXI

Mode 2 – ‘Consumption Abroad’

is when the consumer travels to another country to consume the service. An example of this mode is tourist activities. A tourist comes to Barbados, stays in a hotel, uses taxis and get a hair-cut. The consumer has travelled to a foreign market and CONSUMED local services. Barbadian service providers are therefore exporting their services.

STORE

STORE

Mode 3 – ‘Commercial presence’

is when a company sets up subsidiaries or branches in another in another company to provide services. When a Barbadian lawyer sets up a practice in St. Lucia, he is “establishing commercial presence”. STORE

STORE

Mode 4 – ‘Presence of natural persons’ is when the service provider travels on a temporary basis from their country to provide a service in another country. When a local entertainer travels to perform at a show they are providing a service by moving temporarily.


WWW.BCSI.ORG.BB

Do You Know Your Value?

11

There are numerous opportunities out there but the real challenge is translating these potential opportunities into actual business. From the one-man-shop to the large and complex service providers it is important that you seize every opportunity to be competitive. As a service provider or an aspiring one, you should be asking yourself the following questions:

What is unique about my skills, talent or firm? Do you have skills or talents that you are currently not utilising or underutilising? UPS for example didn’t immediately recognise that the logistics system they designed to deliver packages was the most important product they had. American Airlines is another! They developed SABRE to book their tickets, but SABRE became a product itself and is utilised by other airlines, rental companies, cruise lines, government, hotels and many more. Don’t be caught wanting! Sometimes the service we export is the one we don’t realise we have.

How can I export my service? Source: Tiana Mora Ramis. “Making Trade Agreements Work for You”. Services Scoop 2012. Caribbean Network of Service Coalitions. 2012

Did you consider the various ways you could export your service offering? Do you have the capacity to export – over the internet (mode 1), via visitors (mode 2), through an in-market franchise (mode 3) or going to the market yourself (mode 4).

Assess your strength and weakness Strengths might include unique skill, capacity and strong networks. Weakness may include limited human resource, market knowledge or limited capital. Professionalism is key in this interconnected world driven by information and communication technologies. A lack of standards will affect your ability to do business.

DID YOU KNOW

Women play a major role in the Barbadian economy.

They

invest

more

in

their

families than men do, in areas such as education, health and nutrition, creating a secure foundation for the future of their families and communities. So empowering them

economically,

especially

through

their involvement in trade, creates job opportunities for everyone.


12

T H E

E X P O R T E R


WWW.BCSI.ORG.BB

OUR COMPETITIVE EDGE

13


14

T H E

E X P O R T E R

Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and Renewable Energy ,

are regarded as two of the foundation sectors of any services-driven economy. Barbados, as an open economy lacks the bauxite and crude oil resources such as Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname and Guyana. What it does have in common with them is a fluctuating import bill that must be paid in hard-earned foreign exchange.

Because of this, as a country with its people as it’s main resource, ICT and energy have key roles to play in Barbados’ economic revival. Growth in the non-tourism services sector may be considered as modest.

Bottom line: there is a lot of work to be done to raise the contribution of the services sector to the economy, a role which rests on management of the various sectors and organisations such as the Barbados Coalition of Service Industries (BCSI), the Barbados Renewable Energy Association (BREA) and the Barbados ICT Professionals Association (BIPA).

The Central Bank of Barbados (CBB), in its latest press release covering the six months, January to June 2016, noted the non-tradeable sector was estimated to have grown in revenue terms, from 893.9 million dollars in 2014 to 898.0 million dollars in 2015. Which is just about what it was in 2008. For the first six months of this year there was a 1.4 percent increase in earnings, from 442.2 million dollars for the same period last year to an estimated 450.3 million dollars for the six months ending June 30th, 2016.

Barbados has made progress in the ICT sector where two international companies are locked in competition and generally any foreign company may locate here and expect to obtain the same quality of communication products and service, or better, which they are accustomed to in their homeland. The fledgling energy sector also appears to be fortunate with a national policy expected to be finalised in coming months. It is also recently positioned to benefit from new regulatory decision-making, which has improved the prospects for inward and local investment and competition as a result of varying types of new investment incentives.

The Fair Trading Commission in a recent decision set a fixed rate of 41.6 cents per kilowatt hour (photovoltaic systems) and 31.5 cents per kilowatt hour (wind generated systems) for investors to be paid by the operator of the local grid, Barbados Light & Power Co Ltd, for renewable energy generated for use by the energy company.

ICT and Energy as key services facilitatorS


WWW.BCSI.ORG.BB

The Commission encouraged competition by establishing a cost-based methodology in its determination of what are essentially Feed-In tariffs for investors in photo voltaic and wind systems. The minimum capacity for individual companies was also expanded from 150 kilowatt hours to 500 kilowatt hours. For individuals and companies engaged in services, either locally or externally, there is an opportunity to reduce their operating costs or as investors, earn a new revenue stream. As Barbados moves to reduce its energy costs and consequently the cost of doing business there is the prospect of an investor looking favourably at the island, while there could be new opportunities for the tourism industry to increase competitiveness as a result of lowering their cost of doing business.

Further, as a leader with various energy skills and consultancy knowledge, there could be new business at a regional or international level for services type work such as energy auditing.

The Barbados Renewable Energy Association (BREA), under the guidance of its president Aidan Rogers and executive director Clyde Griffith, a former government minister responsible for energy, has been working tirelessly in areas such as policy and regulation, public awareness and information and capacity building.

At the regional level BREA and Barbados are regarded as leaders to promote and develop the regional energy sector in association with stakeholders from Government, industry and civil society. This development process is expected to take an important leap forward in November at a regional conference with a strong local input under the theme: Caribbean Sustainable Energy Independence: Making It Happen. It is scheduled for the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre from November 10 to 11. The event includes an exhibition of best-of-breed technology options available locally and internationally in renewable energy and energy efficiency. It also will showcase the energy talents of Barbadian students who will be financed by Barbados Light & Power Co Ltd, one of BREA’s key partners.

Caribbean and international delegates will share their experiences of success stories and lessons learnt with a view to preparing the next steps towards regional development of the sector. The policy, legal, regulatory and technical experiences of countries such as Germany, Hawaii and Africa will be shared with those from Barbados and the wider Caribbean. (see more at www.brea.bb)

The Central Bank of Barbados (CBB) and the Barbados government are among the principal partners with the Barbados Renewable Energy Association aiming to make a success of the event, organised as part of celebrations of the island’s 50th anniversary of Independence.

15


16

T H E

E X P O R T E R

After two years of restructuring and rebalancing the economy , real GDP is slowly returning to

a sustainable growth path after registering 0.8 per cent growth at the end of the year 2015. This marks two consecutive years of positive growth, each year with improved economic activity in key sectors such as tourism and the financial services sector. Such realization has led to the embarking on a twin-track approach of reviving the economy with priority being placed on the value-added of these two sectors.

The Tourism Nexus

Economic Recovery Through Value-Added Tourism BCSI Secretariat

By focusing on new source markets; expanding luxury tourism (as seen by the introduction of the Sandals brand in 2013); and targeting value-chains, stakeholders in the tourism industry has sought reinvigoration. These efforts, combined with increased airlift, have seen an appreciable turnaround, recording growth in long-stay arrivals of an estimated 13.9 per cent or 72,237 arrivals, with commendable increases from its major source markets – the UK, USA, CARICOM and Canada. This followed on from a 2.2 per cent increase in long-stay arrivals recorded in 2014. Europe was the only market which recorded a decline in arrivals during 2015. Total long-stay arrivals in 2015 were 591,872. Total stay-over expenditure for the period January to June 2015 totaled US $471.3 million, a 1.3 per cent increase over the US $465.8 million recorded for the corresponding period in 2014. Total cruise expenditure for the period January

Source: Barbados Economic and Social Report 2015

to June 2015 totaled US$19.7 million. Tourism’s average contribution to Barbados’ Real Gross Domestic Product (RGDP) was recorded at 12 per cent in 2015.

While these statistics look good on paper, it is important that we do not get too complacent, but add to our already established tourism product. Tourists today are interested in more than Sun, Sea and Sand….they want to connect to local people, and have authentic experiences rooted in culture, leisure, heritage and adventure. With nothing to set vacation travel apart but price, tourists will have no loyalty and will travel anywhere to get what they feel is the best deal! Today’s vacation travel is about making memories and experiencing that wow experience. Knowing this, the onus on us is to create these experiences and target them to our visitors!

DID YOU KNOW That another priority area for the government of Barbados is the international business sector? Other key areas include education services and offshore oil exploration.


WWW.BCSI.ORG.BB

Are we CAPITALISING on Barbados’ tourism product offering?

HEALTH AND WELLNESS The Health and Wellness industry integrates and aggregates all goods and services that lend to attaining

Barbados has long been renowned as a health destination and spa resort, dating as far back as 1751 when George Washington brought his ailing brother to convalesce on the island. Barbados’ fresh and invigorating

holistic wellbeing. These include curative, preventative, rehabilitative, therapeutic and palliative care. The sector has been identified as an area of growth given its value-added nature, which exceeds USD 40 billion a year worldwide. Health and wellness tourism simply put is the travelling of people from their residence to achieve health.

sea breezes, and peaceful coastal getaways have drawn visitors to her shores for centuries. Her Caribbean

Opportunities Through Value-added

charm and tropical ambiance makes her a premier vacation destination for relaxing and healing.

Like its regional counterparts, Barbados’ tourism performance is facing numerous challenges resulting in a lack of zeal and lustre from industry players. As it struggles to grapple with diversification of its economy, the health and wellness industry provides a viable option. The positive of the industry is that there is latent recognition of the need to develop it and that has resulted in levels of increased support and awareness from government, funding agencies and the Barbados Coalition of Service Industries Inc.

Wellness (Spa) Tourism in FocuS: Barbados’ Competitive Advantage Here is a look at our strengths and opportunities:

• Barbados is historically a well-established tourist destination • Identification of Caribbean as a natural spa makes it marketable product (nb. The global market for destination wellness spa is USD 6.1 billion) • Major transport (roads, airport and sea-ports) and tele-communications (and internet access) are in place • Natural tropical climate which acts as endowments for health and wellness experience • A rich spa and wellness culture promoted by the on-going success of the world-renowned resorts such as the Crane, Sandy Lane, Sandals and the Barbados Hilton. • There is a global increase in spa and wellness travel • Growth in consumer health consciousness and the region’s reputation as ideal fit for spa and wellness tourism

17


18

T H E

E X P O R T E R

DREAM IT, DO IT! That’s how young spa and wellness entrepreneur Simeon Christophe, a recent alumnus of the Personal Body Healthcare

Clinic

(PBHC)

School,

sees his company’s (Massage Works) alliance with Roast Entertainment the management of the mas band Xhosa in delivering massage services to revellers after enduring the blazing sun on Kadooment Day.

According to Christophe, when he approached Roast Management to be part of the Xhosa experience early this year, he had one thing in mind – to offer an innovative service that could not be turned down. While he was successful in pitching his service, Christophe noted that it was not an easy task. “To provide complementary spa services to a brand that has revolutionised the all-inclusive carnival and fete concept in Barbados, hosted sold out cruises for Trinidad’s

Asked about his experience, Christophe believed that small

Carnival and launched UV Vibe, Barbados’ premier breakfast party,

businessmen and businesswomen should seek innovation to stay

was a bit intimidating at first, but it was step I knew I had to take to

relevant in these harsh economic times. Signaling out his success

get my business off the ground” said an effervescent Christophe.

during the Crop Over period, he pointed to his alliance with Xhosa as

‘…non-traditional sectors such as spa and wellness could integrate with the cultural and creative industries (Kadooment) and tourism in one location.’

All told, the ‘spa special’ was a hit with

example of how.

revellers who were primarily youthful

Going further, Christophe reiterated that sun, sand and sea alone will

and of an international audience and

not be enough to safeguard the Barbados’ position as a preferred

unaware of its development. “Kudos

tourist or carnival destination as increasingly tourists - revellers or

to Roast Entertainment from keeping

genuine - are demanding a level of value-added in combination to

that a secret!” Christophe in speaking to the BCSI sang high praises

the three S’s . He believes while beach tourism would always be a key

of Xhosa. He lamented on Xhosa’s willingness not just to sell an

attraction, spa and wellness has a place for growth.

experience but to provide a post ‘jump-up’ package of mind and body healing which brought something new to the Kadooment experience.


WWW.BCSI.ORG.BB

Historically, the Caribbean region has been at the crossroads of major world cultures: Africa; Europe; Asia; and North America. This is reflected in the multiethnic cuisine which represents a tremendous strength in the development of culinary tourism. Moreover, culinary tourism has been taken to an entirely new height in Barbados where tourists (mainly cruise tourists) basks in the experience of Agapey Chocolate Factory’s daily tours which consist of Mount Gay rum tasting and dark chocolate sampling.

The success of Agapey, a gourmet dark chocolate factory, operating in

the

heart

Bridgetown,

of

downtown

shows

that

successful service exporting is not an exclusive domain

Agapey is now rated as the number 1 Bridgetown attraction and number 3 attraction in the whole of Barbados by TripAdvisor, the world’s largest and most visited travel website.

for service providers and service companies alone but for those who are willing to innovate and seek creativity in developing a service.

Agapey’s marketing efforts targets cruise tourists because they are typically more receptive to the bitter taste of dark chocolate.

Agapey has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor for the last five years.

Agapey clearly demonstrates that any company can embrace service exporting!

19


20

T H E

E X P O R T E R

The CARIFORUM-EC Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) was signed in Bridgetown Barbados between the 27 countries of European Union member states and the 14 CARIFORUM states (all except Haiti) on October 15, 2008. It replaces the trade provisions of the Cotonou Agreement, signed in 2000, in which the European Community unilaterally granted African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries non-reciprocal market access to Europe on more favourable terms than those enjoyed

ARE WE UNDERSTANDING THE CARIFORUMEC ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT?

by goods and services from other countries.

BCSI Secretariat The decision to negotiate an EPA with the EU was influenced by the realisation that Barbados and other CARIFORUM countries had to improve the way they do business with the Europe. With Britain’s pending exit from the European Union, the EPA should be seen by policymakers as an effective mechanism to catalyse and propel CARIFORUM economic operators so that they could be more competitive.

Objectives of the EPA It is expected that the EPA will:

CARIFORUM members of the EPA: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas,

• Expand and improve CARIFORUM’s industries and economic

Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada,

growth by enabling CARIFORUM states to develop exports

Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and

in services and wider range of goods for which they have a

Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad

Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the

comparative advantage;

and Tobago.

• Increase employment and business opportunities; • Improve CARIFORUM’s access to advance technologies within

European Union members of the EPA:

the European environment

Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus,

• Increase competition within CARIFORUM and thereby improve

Finland, France, Germany, Greece,

efficiency in production processes.

Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,

Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden


WWW.BCSI.ORG.BB

The French Caribbean Outermost Regions (FCORs) include

Doing Business With The French Caribbean Outermost Regions

French Guiana, Martinique, St. Martin and Guadeloupe. While they share the same geographic space as Barbados (which is a part of CARIFORUM see previous page), they belong to France and therefore to the European Union.

These Departments are therefore covered by the very same commitments taken under the CARIFORUM-EC Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). Given the proximity between the two, there are many reasons why it should appeal to Barbados service providers to establish strategic partnerships and business alliances.

Here are some reasons why the French Overseas Departments should be seen as being appealing to Barbadian service providers:

• The per capital income of the French Overseas Department in the region after the first decade of the 21st century ranged from US$15,955 in French Guiana to US$24,120 in Martinique which both are much higher than the per capital income in Barbados US$15,600 • Barbados and the FCORs share a similar market and geographic size which make supplying services much easier • As part of CARIFORUM, Barbados shares a much closer geographic proximity than with mainland Europe • The FCORs benefit from broader access to financial and technological resources. The establishment of strategic alliances would offer Barbadian businesses the opportunity to tap into these resources.

21


22

T H E

E X P O R T E R

Tertiary Educational Services There is a demand for English Language training (ELT) as the FCORs seek to expand their markets into the English-speaking Caribbean and into North America. Barbados with an emerging ELT industry has the opportunity to reap the economic benefits associated with this potential client base.

ICT Services Barbados stands already as a prime destination for ICT services in the region given its notable comparative advantage in being cost competitive and a low cost jurisdiction for work. The ICT sector in Barbados is part of business and finance services which are valued at B$ 2.3 billion and is centred on computer software and computer services. Given that ICT services exports from Barbados approximately totals B$22 million, Barbados can look towards the FCORs for added business.

Sports Tourism There is never a dull moment in Barbados. Whether it be horseracing, motor sports, polo, golf, football, sailing, among many others, there is some international invitational sporting event to take partake in from January to December. Sports tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of the travel industry. It is defined as “travel which involves either observing or participating in an event�. There is an opportunity to develop sports tourism encouraging exchanges and offering invitation for participation in local activities.

Barbadian Service Industries with Great Export Potential to the FCORs


WWW.BCSI.ORG.BB

Cultural Trade with the French Outermost Regions: A Viable Option

Cultural and Creative Industries The scope of the creative and cultural industries covers music, television, and film production, publishing, visual arts and other artistic expressions, cuisine, dance, theatre, fashion and cultural tourism. They also include the recording and distribution of live performances and event management. The cultural and creative industries sector cuts across the services sector comprising of personal services, business, finance, royalties, leisure and retail.

Cultural and Creative Industries Potential in Barbados Particularly in this time of economic crisis, Barbados’ creative industries is poised to generate employment and provide a range of new career options especially for young people and women, provide alternative avenues for industrial development, stimulate growth directly and indirectly in other sectors of the economy, generate foreign exchange through the export of creative and cultural products, and diversify revenue streams for enterprises and entrepreneurs.

The Opportunity The CARIFORUM-EU EPA is the first time that provisions to support the cultural sector has been included in a European trade agreement. It contains a Protocol on Cultural Cooperation which provides a formal framework for the exchange of cultural goods and services – movement of artists, musicians and other cultural practitioners. Such high capabilities to develop artistic and creative productions lends well to possibly creating and developing bi-lateral participation in carnival, festivals, as does the opportunity to develop joint cultural productions with the French Departments.

23


24

T H E

E X P O R T E R


WWW.BCSI.ORG.BB

IN-HOUSE NEWS

25


26

T H E

E X P O R T E R

01. What is the Export Incubation Services Unit-SME Development Program? The Export Incubation Services Unit (EISU)-SME Development Program is the Secretariat’s flagship incubator support program which is meant to enhance the export potential of our service sector firms. This newly formed unit is meant to complement the existing Association Incubation Services Unit (AISU) and will facilitate the link between the Secretariat’s engagement at the Association level and with the individual members who form part of those Associations.

The Export Incubation Services Unit will take a micro level approach and will provide front-end development support to Barbados’ service sector firms with a high priority interest to export. There are four phases within the Export Incubator Services Unit-SME Development Program;

Phase I: Services Go Global (SGG) Export Training Phase II: Export Readiness Assessment and Preparation Phase III: Export Pairing and Technical Assistance Phase IV: Market Access and Export Promotion Initiatives

Each phase of the program is meant to build on the other. In the first phase, firms will be taken through a rigoros Export Training Program known as the Services Going Global Program. This program is essential in enhancing the understanding of the firms to the peculiarities of export from a trade in services perspective. On completion of the first phase, each firm will have created an export plan similar to that of a business plan, the “export plan” is an essential tool and critical component in the SME’s path to exporting and defines the company’s present status, internal goals and commitment, and begins the process for assessing the overall export requirements and demands of the company.

The second phase of the program focuses on Export Readiness and Assessment, as a first step the SMEs will undertake the Saville Wave Entrepreneurial Potential Assessment. This assessment tool is meant to highlight the internal strengthens as well as the areas of potential weakness for the SMEs. The results of this assessment will help to inform the coaching and development activities to be executed under phase 3 of the program. At this point SMEs will also be assessed on their export plan and the feedback provided will form part of their overall Export Assessment and Diagnostic Report. The assessments undertaken at this stage of the program will guide the type and level of technical assistance support to be provided at phase 3 of the program.

BCSI Launches Export Promotion Unit


WWW.BCSI.ORG.BB

In the third phase of the project focus will be placed on the provision of technical assistance. It is largely recognized, that our small medium size enterprises have limited access to technical expertise and this type of support whether in the form of; financial, legal and or marketing expertise is often critical to the enhanced export capacity of our service sector entrepreneurs. The fourth and final phase of the program is appropriately titled the- “at market entry phase� and will focus on the much needed export promotion type activities. At this point the SMEs will have the opportunity to participate in one exploration mission associated with the implementation of their export plan. At this point firms would have graduated from the incubator program and will be well on their way to advancing the goals of their export plan.

02. What are the Objectives? The overall objectives of the Export Incubation Services Unit- SME Development Program are; 1) To enhance the overall export capacity of service oriented SMEs. 2) To improve the success rate of service provider SMEs in exporting their services 3) To identify and provide front-end technical assistance to service provider SMEs seeking to export their services 4) To establish systems for tracking and monitoring the level of service sectorexporting among Barbadian SMEs.

03. Who is the Target Audience? The Export Incubator Services Unit-SME Development Program is specifically designed to target our service oriented small medium sized enterprises currently operating in Barbados. The primary focus of the unit is to enhance the export potential of those firms. To this end the unit will specifically target service oriented firms across the following sectors:

1) Professional Services 2) ICT Services 3) Renewable Energy 4) Health and Wellness 5) Cultural and Creative Industries

27


28

T H E

E X P O R T E R

04. What are the Proposed Benefits? The proposed benefits of the Export Incubator Services Unit and the SME Development Program are as follows;

a. Macro Level Outputs 1) Increased Firm Level Exporting- It is anticipated that in the development of the BCSI’s landmark Incubator Program, the Secretariat will be able to provide effective front-end assistance to service provider SMEs in planning and executing their export development processes. The proposed inputs at both the front end and the back end will increase the number of Barbadian service sector SMEs able to export their services.

2) Enhance Services Data Collection- The incubator program will also provide the Secretariat with a model to effectively and sustainably capture and collate services base data. Utilising information from the SMEs involved in EISU from various service sectors, the BCSI Secretariat will be in a position to effectively capture significant data about service based SMEs exporting their services, to which markets and in what quantity, across which specific sectors. Capturing of this data will allow for the Secretariat to better assist the Government in the creation of more informed policy decisions which can promote the expansion of the services sector.

b. Micro Level Outputs 1) Export Plan- Each firm on completion of phase 1 of the Services Going Global Export Training Program will effectively develop at the end of the training their export plan. The creation of the export plan is a critical output of this project and will better enable firms on their journey to service sector exporting.

2) Export Assessment Diagnostic Report-Each firm on completion of phase 2 of the program would be equipped with their individual export assessment and diagnostic report. This report will help to inform and guide firms on the next steps that need to be taken in advancing their export goals at the micro level and at the macro level will provide critical feedback on the major challenges impacting SME export development in Barbados.


WWW.BCSI.ORG.BB

Management Consultants Sign MOU

The Caribbean Institute of Certified Management Consultants (CICMC) – Barbados Chapter signing of a Memorandum of Understanding

(MOU) with the BCSI’s Secretariat, deepened the already growing relationship between the coalition and CICMC-Barbados.

This MOU, the first between the Secretariat and one of its Professional Member Associations, outlined how each party could work more closely for the benefit of members and the services sector. Since this February signing, the MOU has already begun to pay dividends as Chapter members serve as primary Consultants in the BCSI’s new Export Incubator Support Unit (EISU) Programme.

This newly formed unit is meant to complement the existing Association Incubation Services Unit (AISU) and will facilitate the link between the Secretariat’s engagement at the Association level and with the individual members who form part of those Associations. The programme which started last month, has strategically targeted firms across the following sectors: Professional Services; ICT Services; Renewable Energy; Health and Wellness; and Cultural and Creative Industries.

EISU is meant to enhance the export potential of service oriented small medium sized enterprises (SMEs) currently operating in Barbados. This Programme supported by the Barbados Human Resource Development Strategy of the Barbados Ministry of Labour, enables Consultants to provide critical back-end assistance to fledging service providers.

29


30

T H E

E X P O R T E R

The services sector is the most important component of the Barbados economy. Barbados derives over 80% of its annual GDP from services trade, with a heavy reliance on tourism and travel related services and financial services. Over the past few years Barbados’ service sector exports have been declining.

Being a relatively small country with a small labour force, growth in the services sector must come from increasing the value of the services provided. The only way this can be achieved is by enhancing the overall quality of the service being consumed. It

Setting Quality Standards Key for Export Promotion

was within that framework that the BCSI undertook to develop the Quality Standards Mark (QSM) Project.

The QSM will function as the primary international branding scheme that will set a national benchmark for service providers by offering a distinguishing feature for the definition of world class quality for Barbados’ services. These types of macrolevel initiatives create an enabling environment for the BCSI to foster and forge strategic partnerships within our membership thereby stimulating the implementation and outputs of national programs that aim to transform the country’s services sector in order to have it redefined as a high quality exporter of niche services.

This project is specifically being highlighted as it is funded under the Services Fiche being administered by Caribbean Export and the regional Coalitions.

The services sector is the most important component of the Barbados economy. Barbados derives over

80%

of its annual GDP from services trade.


WWW.BCSI.ORG.BB

MEMBERS’ CORNER

31


32

T H E

E X P O R T E R

When it comes to technology there is an endless array of buzzwords, acronyms and phrases: the Internet of Things, FTTH, Net Neutrality, LTE, Mobility and Convergence, to name a few. What do they really mean, what is their relevance to us and how can we derive socio-economic value from them in Barbados?

These are the questions which BIPA, the Barbados ICT

Pushing Information & Communications Technology (ICT) in Barbados

Professionals’ Association, strives to answer, by leveraging our members’ expertise and partnering with the various stakeholders such as Government, the private sector and the public at large.

In order to do this, the recently-elected Executive team conducted a one-day strategic workshop to determine our objectives and action plans for the coming year.

Philip Lewis

The Recently-Elected BIPA Executive Team 2016/17

The main objectives were determined to be: 1. Partner with government agencies 2. Build social & corporate awareness 3. Develop strategic projects 4. Support internet governance 5. Increase membership & member benefits


WWW.BCSI.ORG.BB

By forming partnerships with the various ICT related Government ministries and bodies, BIPA has been able to support policy development such as the National Broadband Strategy and E-Commerce plan. BIPA intends to build on the existing relationships to enhance our effectiveness where this is concerned. Likewise BIPA performs a number of activities to raise the awareness of ICT within our society, through our participation in various media events such as the televised Good Morning Barbados and also through our hosted events like the “Girls In ICT” panel discussion. We plan to continue to build awareness so that the economic benefits of ICT can be understood, embraced and fully realized.

Strategic Projects Where BIPA truly shines is through the strategic projects we work on to bring tangible meaning to ICT within society. One such project is the Internship programme which BIPA started in partnership with The Barbados Community College. This saw eight young BCC students gain job placements in ICT companies across Barbados for 3 months.

These supervised placements allowed the students to put into practice the theoretical concepts they’d learnt, in a challenging but supportive work environment. The feedback from the students was highly positive, with the experience being seen as very advantageous to future job prospects on completion of their studies.

Internship Programme Success Working with the University of the West Indies, BIPA widened the Internship Programme whereby twelve Computer Science and IT students advanced their learning through internships in ICT companies. Furthermore, a partnership with the IDB Bridge programme enabled the students to be paid a healthy stipend. The project has been a clear success and will be run every year going forward. Other BIPA projects include the technical and business training we provide to the regional PitchIt Caribbean programme. Together with the BCSI, BIPA provides young entrepreneurs interested in mobile application development, with the tools they require to solve societal problems and in doing so, create a viable business. This project has been another resounding success which BIPA will continue to support. ICT adoption is a key driver for economic development. BIPA salutes the BCSI in the publication of its inaugural magazine and extends our support to all other service industries for our ICT-enabled future and prosperity.

33


The Barbados Renewable Energy Association (BREA) in association with The Central Bank of Barbados

For more info: www.brea.bb | info@brea.bb | +1-246-622-2017 Level 2, Tom Adams Financial Center, Church Village, St Michael, Barbados


WWW.BCSI.ORG.BB

Voices in the Sector

What or who inspired you to become a professional weaver?

by entrepreneurs, but for me a most significant challenge remains the ‘misdiagnosis of visual arts’. Today people still see visual arts as just paintings.

My inspiration has been drawn from so many

There is need for education and awareness on

people but it was only when I was formally

the numerous entrepreneurial activities within the

diagnosed with dyslexia that I realized that I had

sector.

to take a non-traditional path. I was always gifted

with my hands and I guess weaving just fell into place. I must also credit my alma mater Princess Margaret Secondary for my introduction to the field of visual arts.

From the perspective of the Barbados Art Council what do you find most challenging about the sector?

How important is the support from Business Support Organizations like the BCSI to assist with further development of the association? We are currently in our 6th year as an association. What we would like to see is more focal support for the visual arts subsector. I believe that the BCSI can act as facility in realizing trade-shows and exhibition opportunities with other service

Sylvester ‘Adelabu’ Clarke Artist and President

of the Barbados Arts Council

The public’s perception of artists as vendors! We

associations, particularly that of the tourism,

are not vendors, we are professionals! A shift in

and other BCSI membership associations. I

the ‘vendor’ perceptions by the public will do

really do believe that the BCSI can strategically

wonders in changing the current state of the

build a stronger arts council for its individual

visual arts subsector in Barbados. As of right

representatives.

now, many young people who are immensely creative and skilled fear entering a profession in visual arts. There is also the issue of funding and support which has been heavily purported

35


36

T H E

E X P O R T E R

What is the inspiration behind 2016 collection? Can you talk us through it? My collection draws upon the achievements of Barbados over the years. There are five sections highlighting the work of: Rihanna; Ronald ‘Suki’ King; Obadele Thompson; excellence at

Voices in the Sector

the Chelsea Flower Show; and 50th Anniversary.

What is your favourite piece of this collection? All are creations of creative insight and hold a special place in my heart, however, Suki’s section stands out.

What do you find most challenging about your job/sector? Sponsorship! Of all the years, this year has been the worst and that has made operations even tougher! I also believe that a waiver should be placed on products such as materials that are of cultural nature.

How important is the support from Business Support Organisation like BCSI to assist with further export of your brand? I would like programmes to be put in place to help develop the mas industry. Right now I am a bit uneasy….what would happen to Kadooment when Gweneth (Squires) and Trevor Chase and I go!

What is next for Betty? I’m looking forward to next year already. There is a young man name Kevin Small who that tipped me out of winners roll for Junior Kadooment. What I wish to do is continue the training of upcoming designers form the region.

Betty West COSTume Designer


WWW.BCSI.ORG.BB

David ‘ZigE’ Walcott is a prolific steel pan artiste whose composition, directorship, and perfection capture the creativity and imagination of the steel pan as an art form. His primary introduction to the steel

The Man Behind the Pan

pan was through self-exploration with friends Kevin Chapman and Brian St. John at the then St. Lucy Secondary School (The Daryll Jordan Secondary School). The trio later became the heart and soul of the Natural Cultural Foundation’s ‘Pan Revolution’ in 1990s, Barbados largest steel orchestra to date. It was during that time that ZigE started his apprenticeship under the late and acclaimed musical arranger ‘Patches’ Mendoza who was not only the musical director of Pan Revolution but also the musical director for the Mighty Sparrow and musical arranger for local calypsonian KidSite. Crediting ‘Patches’ as his biggest inspiration, ZigE considered him to be more than a music creator. According to him, “Patches was a man of the arts who placed much attention into detail”. “It was ‘Patches’ that inspired me to see the steel pan as a career option and I have not looked back since!” A winner of several awards at home and abroad, ZigE has travelled the world to headline and to accompany numerous artistes. When asked about his most memorable performances, ZigE recalled his first trip out of the island as a teenager with no other than ‘Patches’ who was also the musical director for the Mighty Sparrow and musical arranger for local calypsonian KidSite at the time – “Patches introduced me to the international music market and the importance of networking. In pan terms these were opportunities to play at regional and international panoramas which has allowed me to further

David ‘ZigE’ Walcott

market my trade to wider a international audience”. Considering himself to be ‘lucky’, ZigE considers his biggest export to date to be the Brazilian Carnival in 2015 where he was contracted to play. A trained music teacher by profession, ZigE is also the owner and musical director of the NIFCA Award winning steel orchestra, Mosaic, and budding events manager. His most recent portfolios include producing Crop Over’s Fore-day morning jam and the most recent Sir Garry Sober’s 80th birthday cultural showcase at Kensington Oval. ZigE’s work behind the pan continues to portray unique imagination and craftsmanship, while remaining deeply rooted in his humble beginnings. Despite his success in pan, ZigE is of the view that more must be done for the art form to allow many young boys and girls to dare to dream as he did. Stressing on the need for artistes to maximize on the opportunities found in the international market place for culture and more specifically music, ZigE believes that more edu-awareness programmes should be directed at schools. ZigE called for better ownership of the sector by cultural stakeholders and was of the firm belief that there was a pressing need to establish a union for cultural industries practitioners. He believed that the BCSI stands well positioned to catalyse the necessary steps to ensure that needed developments occur for the continual sustainability of the sector. As for future plans, ZigE sees a bigger picture today. “Besides pan, self-growth is important. Right now I want to position Barbados to be the entertainment hub for the Caribbean and map out a legacy where young aspiring talents can take my example and see a career in the cultural industries in a similar way ‘Patches’ did for me.”

37


38

T H E

E X P O R T E R


WWW.BCSI.ORG.BB

YOUR PROFESSIONAL TOOLKIT

39


40

T H E

E X P O R T E R

If you are interested in furthering your career, joining a professional association is a good start. There are associations for nearly every profession or area of interest and many have national and regional chapters available to

Why Join a Professional Association?

join. An association is a synergistic group, meaning that the effect of a collection of people is greater than just one person. Associations therefore create the enabling environment for which persons in the same industry see themselves not as competitors but as potential allies. We do not have to look too far for examples of how the business of coming together is key for success - Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP); Barbados Bar Association; Caribbean Institute of Certified Management Consultants (CIMC); and the Institute of Chartered Copyright Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers Inc. (COSCAP) to name a few.

Given that the service sector is large, fragmented and diverse, it would be highly beneficial to the long term success of your company that associations represent your interests and views. So, how exactly can becoming part of this synergistic group help further your career goals? Here are some benefits of joining an association: Enhance Your Network Associations function as a networking vehicle nationally as well as internationally. For most people, creating professional relationships is important, and joining a group allows you to have a sense of security and trust. From this, you are able to support and help one another in reaching your professional goals, have the opportunity to learn about breaking news in your career, learn “best practices” or new ideas, hear about key achievers in your field and also meet and brainstorm with others who are also looking to share and learn new information.

Does the thought of getting together with ‘competitors’ and sharing information important to one’s industry tends to make you feel uncomfortable? The blatant reality for us as small service providers is that we live in era of globalization and interdependency.


WWW.BCSI.ORG.BB

Publicity Joining an association also allows you to take advantage of free publicity offered to you through the association membership privileges – marketing, brochures, directories and many more.

Strength in numbers Without an association it is you versus them, however, being part of an association, it is us versus them. No man is an island, an association as your platform would allow you to be heard. It therefore becomes increasingly difficult for you to be ignored.

Boosting the Credibility of Your Business STORE

Being a member of an association also speaks to the credibility of your company. It demonstrates that you are a member of an organisation that, presumably, has membership standards that you have met and that you take not only your business but also your profession.

Eyes and Ears in Policy An association also serves as watchdogs to monitor legislative and regulatory proposals put forth by government. They also act as advocates and lobbyist for change. Working outside an association, you may not even be aware of government proposals, let alone be asked for input into shaping them.

41


42

T H E

E X P O R T E R

Everyone wants to be a winner

and people will fight to the bitter

end in order to win. In her quest to win the race for the presidency of

not in direct competition with each other, often seem to be missing out on the opportunities that exist for greater collaboration and the resultant economies of scale, scope and learning that such collaboration can achieve.

the United States, Hilary Clinton in defending her

Barbados is fortunate to have the number of

record of standing up against bad trade deals that

Business Support Organizations (BSOs) it has,

would ultimately hurt the American worker said,

supporting business growth and development in

‘we need a president who can compete and win

this country. On a per capita basis, we are probably

for the American people’.

at the top or close to the top of the list of countries

Her comment caused me to reflect on BCSI’s own mandate as an agency that was set up to promote trade in services and to enhance the competitiveness and export potential of Barbados’ services sector. In my mind, it also raised the question of whether a competitive approach is

services. In some cases there appears to be some overlapping of mandates and in other cases the mandates though grandiose and impressive are becoming increasingly more difficult to achieve especially in the face of: 1. Growing demands from the users of those

organizations.

services

is a legitimate and indispensable part of business enterprise and my orientation as a Marketer is

2. Budgets that are extremely modest when compared with the impressive mandates of the organizations 3. Reducing subventions from government

to support the use of competitive strategies as

given the challenges the local economy is

a priority for business development and growth.

facing, and

As long as demand exists for products and

4. Declining revenues from other income

services competitive forces will always be at play

streams which many BSOs now feel compelled

in the marketplace. Healthy and fair competition

to find.

often redounds to the benefit of the consumer in the form of – more goods and services, a wider variety of goods and services, greater access to those goods and services through more distribution channels, lower prices, improved quality and lots more. But as indispensable as competition is to business activity, there are times when collaboration will trump competition as a marketing strategy. This is especially true in the delivery of social development services, yet many social/ development agencies even if even

A Strategy for Success of Business Support Organizations in Barbados.

in the region supplying such an array of support

always best in producing a winning strategy for

Let me from the very outset affirm that competition

collaborating to win

In the face of these challenges, self-survival becomes the first order of business and the

GRAHAM CLARKE Graham Clarke is a Chartered Marketer and Current Executive Director of BCSI

‘If you want to go fast – go alone, if you want to go far – go together’.

tendency is to adopt the ‘lone ranger’ attitude of going alone or even worse adopting the ‘law of the jungle’ appraoch which only promotes the survival of the fittest. However, this challenging environment is precisely the kind which demands a collaborative and cooperative approaches to problem solving. What is needed is a streamlining of BSO activity into an integrated value chain of services where each BSO occupies a pivotal spot

(An African Proverb)


WWW.BCSI.ORG.BB

in that chain of services, delivering what they are

3. Pooling resources together to deliver

best at doing and what they can deliver better

outcomes that have a greater national impact.

than the rest.

4. Working together to win large projects which no one BSO could win on its own.

From a local perspective, it is important that we do not miss the opportunities for greater and

From a regional perspective, the Caribbean

more strategic collaboration among ourselves as

Network of Service Coalitions is moving forward

Business Support Organizations, not just to do

with a more collaborative agenda supported by

the informal and occasional networking activities

Caribbean Export who is investing significant

but to create structures that will promote the

resources in building and developing a more

sharing of information and the integration of

competitive services sector across the region.

project activity. It is against this background and

During the month of November 2016 the Network

environment that BCSI is issuing a clarion an

is meeting in Grenada to craft a strategy for

URGENT call for the BSOs to caucus with each

greater collaboration among the Coalitions in the

other – not just as another talk shop but with

achievement of their mission.

the serious and strategic intent of integrating our approaches and implementing collaborative winning strategies for the providers of goods and services and the industries whom we are mandated to represent.

On the eve of our 50th anniversary of independence the voice of our Father of Independence the Rt. Excellent Errol Walton Barrow needs to be heard again and again on the issue of regionalism and the need tom build a culture of collaboration and

By Collaboration I am not simply referring to

cooperation across the Caribbean. In his famous

attending each other’s meetings or sharing

Heads of Government discourse in Guyana in

information on each other’s programmes. Rather I

1986 just prior to his death, he decried the ‘who

am speaking about a system of organized shared

will buy my white sand and who will buy my grey

activity which can enhance results. Suggestions

sand mentality’ and instead extolled the virtues

of such activity include the following:

of a collaborative approach to dealing with the

1. A CEOs’/ Executive Directors’ forum which meets at least quarterly to review performance and craft strategy for the future as a Business

issues of trade within Caricom – the movement of goods and services, capital, information and people across the region.

Support Community.

Competition may produce winning outcomes for

2. Creation of a portal/ mobile app which would

the few but collaboration will make winners of the

facilitate BSOs sharing information with each

many.

other and track the movement of applicants from the ideation stage to the point where they are successfully penetrating the local and international markets.

43


44

T H E

E X P O R T E R

The Basics

Avoid Typos

Ensure that your business card feature the

Seemingly obvious, typos say a lot about a

following key components: name, title, company

person. For one it speaks to his or her attention

name, email, phone number, website URL and a

to detail. Watch out for typos and get someone

logo

to proofread.

Keep it Simple

Utilise other service providers

You may be tempted to place a lot of

Hire a professional designer or utilize a friend

information on your card to make it easy for

skilled in the area of graphics to make your card

potential customers. However, that does not

uncluttered and attractive.

mean that you have to. One email address, one phone number and a single website will offer the primary information any customer may need

Maximise Your Card The back of your card is still your card! So why not utilize it and make your business stand out!


WWW.BCSI.ORG.BB

The Barbados Coalition of Service Industries Thanks

for facilitating the production of the Innaugual Issue of The Exporter Magazine and sponsoring National Service Week 2016.

National Service Week runs from November 8th to 14th, 2016. For more information visit www.bcsi.org.bb

45


46

T H E

E X P O R T E R

Credibility Boosters! Once you have gone through all the necessary steps to get your service export ready, it is critical that you build your credibility locally, regionally and internationally. Here are a few steps which you can take:

errals f e r l a n io r profess e id s n o C 1. ofessional r p in ip h bers 2. Mem s ssional association e f o r p h nce wit s 3. Complia standard y t li a u q and arketing m s s la c 4. World material ications 5. Qualif

nders to

ill do wo

osters w ibility bo d re c e s The service! pply of your su


WWW.BCSI.ORG.BB

The Barbados Coalition of Service Industries Thanks

for facilitating the production of the Innaugual Issue of The Exporter Magazine and sponsoring National Service Week 2016.

National Service Week runs from November 8th to 14th, 2016. For more information visit www.bcsi.org.bb

47


48

T H E

E X P O R T E R

BUILDING BUSINESSES. SUPPORTING SERVICES. EXPORTING EXCELLENCE.

Barbados Coalition of Service Industries (BCSI) Building #3 Unit 2B Harbour Industrial Estate Telephone: 1 (246) 429-5357 Fax: 1 (246) 429-5352 E-mail: info@bcsi.org.bb Website: http://www.bcsi.org.bb


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.