Coventry & Warwickshire in business
International
Boost business by going global Businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire can bolster the economy – and their own bottom line – by increasing overseas trade, a major summit has heard.
Corin Crane, Chief Executive of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, hosted the summit, which was sponsored by Lloyds Banking Group, Independent Freight Solutions and RationalFX.
Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce held its second International Trade Summit at the Holiday Inn, Walsgrave, to discuss the barriers and benefits to doing business abroad.
Corin said: “It’s clear that there are many businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire that are doing business overseas, whether that’s importing or exporting, and that is a big driver of economic growth.
The event heard from a range of expert speakers who described everything from the current global economic outlook through to the day-to-day support that firms can tap into.
“We have a great brand in this region and a unique economy that includes everything from tourism to advanced manufacturing. What we do is truly world class across many sectors.
“It is important that we come together in this way to have these discussions because we need to get more businesses trading globally. Domestic economic growth is going to remain quite sluggish so if we can find new markets for our products and services, that is going to help businesses to grow and be more resilient in the coming years. “It might require the upskilling of some staff or investment in e-commerce but it’s important for businesses to know that the support is out there and encourage them to get in touch with the Chamber to help point them in the right direction.” Will Bain, of the British Chambers of Commerce, told the audience of nearly
100 businesses that being part of the Chamber meant access to international markets via its global network. Corin added: “We want to grow this summit year on year because it is so important to get businesses in our area to expand their horizons and benefit from training internationally. “Being part of the Chamber is the perfect starting point because we have all of the right connections here in the UK to help support you on the road to international trade but also an overseas network that can get you to market much quicker than if you were acting alone.”
News
Run to win Businesses who enter a team for a popular 10k run in Leamington Spa will be in the running to win a share of £2,000 as part of plans to celebrate the event’s 20th year. The Wright Hassall Regency 10k Run returns on Sunday, April 7, once again backed by leading local law firm Wright Hassall as title sponsor, and organised by the Leamington Round Table.
“Over the years the event has helped to raise more than £440,000 for good causes ranging from charities to community groups, and the £2,000 total cash prize on offer to the winners of the corporate race will be a fantastic opportunity for businesses to support a charity close to their hearts.” The 10k run begins at 10am, starting at Newbold Terrace East and finishing at Mill Gardens.
The event has become synonymous with Leamington since it was founded in 2004, taking runners through some of the best parks and gardens Leamington Spa has to offer.
The course is a combination of paved surfaces and bridleways, with all road sections closed to traffic.
To help celebrate the 20th anniversary, the winning men’s team and winning women's team in the corporate race will win £1,000 each to donate to a charity of their choice.
Phil Wilding, Managing Partner at Wright Hassall, based on Olympus Avenue, added: “It’s such a special event and as a local firm proudly rooted in Leamington for more than 175 years, we are honoured to have sponsored it every year since its inception.
Sam Tyler, from the Leamington Round Table and Race Director for 2024, said: “Twenty years has flown by but each year the event receives unwavering support from the local community.
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
A free 1k Kids Run also starts at 11am.
“More than 2,500 runners of all ages and abilities are expected to sign up this year so we’re looking forward to another great day
Wright Hassall’s Perveen Dhami with Sam Tyler (left) and Harpal Singh (right) of the Leamington Round Table
– and of course a great competition for the charity prizes offered in the corporate race!” The winning teams in the corporate race will be chosen based on the mean average finishing time of the top four highest-placed finishers from each team.
A business must enter a minimum of four people to a male or female team and the cash prize must be donated to a registered charity in the UK. To enter a team into the corporate race, visit www.regency10k.co.uk and select ‘Bulk Purchase’ when clicking on the link to enter.
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