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Looking to India? Find out why India is an opportunity not to be missed!
International Business Day 2007 Meet the Buyer Bringing together exporters and overseas customers
High Growth Markets Brazil, Russia, India and China Stay ahead of the game WINTER 06/07
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SUCCESS STORIES EXPORT MARKETS ARE NOT POLES APART FROM THE UK When research and development company Motivus were plotting their route to export Pacerpoles, a technically advanced trekking pole, to New Zealand they turned to UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) to guide them on their way. The Windermere-based company, established by keen walkers Alan and Heather Rhodes, were already seeing successful UK sales of their anatomically designed trekking poles which help the human body work efficiently over mountain and rough terrain. “When we began to attract attention from New Zealand we knew it was time to call in UKTI for advice. We didn’t really have a clue about the market and the practicalities of exporting,” admits Heather, a trained physiotherapist who was instrumental in the design of the Pacerpoles. The husband and wife team were introduced to International Trade and Investment Advisor Andrew Fawcett who provided them with a wealth of information about their potential new market and expert guidance on the export process. Heather says, “The independent and practical advice we received from Andrew really helped to steer us away from the pitfalls of exporting and now we’re successfully selling Pacerpoles in New Zealand.” With the US market now beckoning, Andrew advised the couple to join UKTI’s flagship Passport to Export training programme for new and inexperienced exporters. They also received funding to enable them to visit and research their potential market and make valuable contacts in the US. “Our visit resulted in a promising partnership being established and we are now in the process of completing a deal to export there. Having seen how successful exporting can be, I just wish we’d made use of the UKTI team sooner,” Heather concludes.
OVERSEAS SUCCESS IS JUST A PHONE CALL AWAY With phonecard producers Nitecrest of Leyland having recently won a Manufacturing Institute award for Excellence in International Trade, you’d think they know everything there is to know about exporting. But the family business is the first to admit that their success overseas is thanks in part to the information, advice and practical support they have received – and will continue to receive - from UKTI. Nitecrest was established in 1996 by Ronnie and Sue Hart to produce loyalty and payment cards and three years later the business moved into the phonecard market. Today, they manufacture more than 15 million cards per week and during 2006 produced over 750 million phonecards – a rise of 250 million cards over the previous year. Initially sales were concentrated in the UK but although Nitecrest could see potential for their product further afield they were unsure how to proceed. Kathryn Jeffers, production director and daughter of Ronnie and Sue, says, “Having never dealt with export it seemed a daunting prospect but we were put in touch with UKTI through our dealings with the Chamber of Commerce. With their help we soon realised there was great potential for us out there.
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“We found the services offered by UKTI extremely useful for building up contacts, whether it be with British Embassy senior trade advisors or like minded business people.” On a practical level, UKTI advisors worked with Nitecrest to develop an action plan, research information, arrange meetings and identify key contacts in Africa which has now become a key market for the company. The UKTI’s website (www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk) also serves as a valuable tool for information about international trade events to Nitecrest’s export team who are constantly seeking out new opportunities for expansion. Today Nitecrest exports to over 90 countries worldwide including the Ukraine, Latvia, Libya, Georgia, the US, Australia, Albania, Poland, Iceland and Spain. A year ago Nitecrest moved into the gift card market initially in the UK, but successful inroads have already been made overseas – the company recently won a £4 million order from Portugal. Kathryn Jeffers concludes, “I would encourage anyone who is thinking about exporting to contact the UKTI as a first resource and to make full use of the range of facilities offered to small businesses. We look forward to further expanding our business overseas and feel sure that with the continued help and support we receive from UKTI you will be hearing a lot more about us.”
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OVERSEAS GRADUATES ‘BOND’ WITH UK COMPANIES WITH HELP FROM THE BRITISH COUNCIL they will also have developed valuable skills and gained experience in the workplace.' As a result of the most recent networking event held in June 2006, Avecia, a northern-based biotechnology company, has taken two students on 12 month BOND placements. Avecia is a leader in the process development and manufacture of biologics and has been engaged in the development of innovative bioprocesses for over 30 years. It has one of Europe’s largest cGMP contract manufacturing facilities for recombinant protein biologics and has worked with many biotech and pharmaceutical companies across the world. John Hinton, R&D Systems Manager, said "Avecia is delighted and proud to be the first biotech company to be involved in the BOND scheme. We were impressed with the quality and enthusiasm of the students when we visited LJMU. Our two students, Rachana and Jia have settled in really well, and while it is still early days, Avecia hopes to be involved in the BOND scheme for many years to come" Jia Vern Loh from Malaysia said “Having hands-on experience has allowed me to put into practice what I have learned at university. This could not have been achieved without being given the opportunity by Avecia, LJMU and British Council who together make the BOND scheme so successful.”
Graduates and professionals from around the world are forming a BOND with UK companies, thanks to a work placement scheme managed by the British Council. Despite sharing a name with the world’s most famous secret agent, the BOND team are far from a clandestine organisation, and actively encourage UK businesses and overseas students to share cultural and business insights. Since the scheme was introduced in 1998 the BOND team have arranged and managed over 600 UK work attachments for overseas students and business people, with support from UKTI. More than 300 companies, both SMEs and large corporate organisations, have hosted placements under this unique project – officially titled the British Council Overseas Industrial Placement Scheme. The placements are an enriching experience for all concerned – host companies gain cultural and business insights into overseas markets, and students gain experience of UK business that will help their career prospects. At the end of the placements when the students return home they in turn can raise
awareness of the UK’s companies, products and services in their own countries, paving the way for positive trade links in the future. Now, in a new initiative, BOND are working in partnership with the School of Biological and Earth Sciences at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) to forge links with more companies across the UK, offering them a simple and cost effective way to manage placements without the implications of work permit or headcount issues. LJMU has an increasing number of students from India and the Far East taking its Masters programme, and also has an Honours top up programme for Malaysian science graduates. In a bid to encourage the BOND programme, annual networking events are held in Liverpool to give companies the chance to meet the students and interact.
Rachana Shah from India commented “on completing my Masters at LJMU I was given the opportunity to work with Avecia Biotechnology under the BOND scheme. I am grateful to Dr. Patricia Burke (LJMU), John Hinton (Avecia) and Jan Schraibman (British Council), who helped me through the process. It has been a wonderful experience for me and I am really enjoying my work at Avecia.” The next networking event will be held at LJMU in June 2007. To register your interest or find out more about the BOND Scheme, please contact Jan Schraibman at the British Council: jan.schraibman@britishcouncil.org The British Council – creating opportunity for people worldwide www.britishcouncil.org
Dr Simon Dowell, Director of the School commented: “BOND placements present a fantastic opportunity for the Malaysian students who take our Honours and Masters programmes as they provide considerable added value. Not only will these students return to Malaysia with degree level qualifications but
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“Ignore this opportunity at your peril” Sandra Brusby, Chief Executive of Business Link Cheshire and Warrington
LOOKING TO INDIA? CALL IN THE SPECIALISTS It’s the seventh largest country on the planet, with one of the fastest growing economies in the world. But when it comes to business India remains uncharted territory for the majority of UK companies. Now one of the best-known business leaders in the North West has warned UK companies to ignore India at their own risk. Sandra Brusby, Chief Executive of Business Link Cheshire and Warrington, described the business opportunities in India as “vast”. “This is a country whose population is increasing every year by an amount equivalent to the whole population of Australia,” she says. “India will be a major economic power, and the growth of Indian commerce is something that cannot be overlooked.” Mrs Brusby, who spearheads the South Asia Business Unit, adds, “Business leaders must seize the opportunities being created in India and realise their international ambitions. “India is a vibrant country, full of drive, enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit, and English is widely spoken so language barriers do not exist. Ignore this opportunity at your peril," she warns. Surprisingly only 1% of the UK’s total exports (around £3.9 billion) currently go to India, despite many analysts predictions that the country’s economy will only be overshadowed by the US and China by 2020.
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One problem is a commonly held perception of India as primarily a place to out-source business operations and manufacturing in order to compete on a shrinking global stage. Less widely known is the country’s increasing potential.
“Like many people we overlooked India as they have a reputation for being very versatile manufacturers, but things are working out very well and we have had several orders since,” said Neil Burns, who set up the business with his brother Mark 20 years ago.
There are 200 million middle class people in India. The property and consumer markets are beginning to boom, with a growing demand for high quality products and prestigious brands.
“We’d recommend services such as trade missions to anybody interested in tackling a new export market,” he adds. “They enable you to go to a country armed with the knowledge of how a business works there.”
There is huge potential for proactive British companies to increase their export trade in a range of sectors, and the South Asia Business Unit can assist North West businesses by offering focused support and guidance to improve a company’s chances of trading there successfully.
Cheshire-based personal leadership consultant and speaker Olivia Stefanino is also discovering India’s potential.
Since it’s inception, the Unit has already generated excellent results in forging improved trade links between the North West and South Asia, bringing together the international experience of a team of UKTI staff and a variety of private sector partners. The Unit also has strong links with the Indo British Partnership Network which is headed by Karan Bilimoria, Chief Executive of Cobra Beer. Warrington based Croft Engineering Services, a specialist manufacturer of wire mesh perforated plate filters, received their first order from India for £20,000 in December 2005.
“Doing business abroad is about relationships. As a result of our visit to Delhi last year and the excellent contacts I made, I was in a strong position to persuade my book publisher to produce an edition of my new book, ‘Be Your Own Guru’, in India. You can imagine my excitement when he came back with a ‘yes’! “Now I can’t wait to visit Mumbai in March, when we’ll be celebrating the official launch of the Indian edition,” she said. The Mumbai trip is one of three trade missions being organised next year by the Business Unit. For more information phone now on 0845 345 4025. or email info@blinkcw.co.uk
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CHEMICAL REACTION Cheshire and Warrington’s Business Venture team has been busy both here and overseas developing opportunities for the flourishing North West chemical industry. Over the last year Tricia Francis and Nick Griffin of the Venture’s Specialist Chemicals Team have been working with UKTI, Chemicals Northwest and the Chemical Industries Association showcasing the capabilities of North West chemical companies to potential partners across the globe. Tricia explains, “Right now industry has its nose to the grindstone dealing with increasing competition from the Far East and the impending European REACH regulation in 2007. I see our role as grasping every available opportunity to raise awareness of the expertise and innovation within the region and making a company’s life slightly easier by either bringing the buyer to them or creating opportunities for them to meet new buyers overseas.” The North West boasts the largest regional centre for chemical manufacture in the UK with 800 organisations, including 500 manufacturers, involved in the sector. The region’s chemical industry employs 51,000 highly skilled employees, and 150,000 in specialist support roles. It generates around £10 billion of sales and contributes £3 billion to the regional economy. Chemicals are also the North West’s largest exporter. Over 60% of its output is exported to destinations worldwide.
Cheshire and Warrington Business Venture have been involved in several UK Trade & Investment supported events in 2006 ranging from a “Meet the Chemicals Overseas Buyer” at Old Trafford Stadium in May - where it is hoped that the £2.5 million of business achieved at the 2003 event will be matched. Pavilions at various speciality chemicals overseas exhibitions with Informex USA coming up shortly in February and supporting the Chemical Industries Association with their inward delegation of Japanese pharmaceutical companies to the region. For further information regarding forthcoming activities contact Cheshire and Warrington Business Venture at info@blinkcw.co.uk or call 0845 345 4025
JAPAN A senior delegation from the Japanese pharmaceutical sector recently visited the North West to forge links with partner companies. Japanese Pharmaceutical Law provides extensive new outsourcing opportunities for foreign companies and the region offers high calibre manufacturers already feeding into the pharmaceutical sector. One-to-one discussions with 10 North West-based companies at Daresbury Science and Innovation Park were organised together with site visits to Contract Chemicals and INEOS Fluor. The delegation was also welcomed by HRH The Duke of York, Special Representative for UKTI, during his visit to INEOS ChlorVinyl.
BARCELONA North West chemical companies have attended In-Cosmetics, the leading international event for raw materials and ingredients in the cosmetics, toiletries and personal care industry, thanks to the support of UKTI and Cheshire and Warrington Business Venture. The cosmetics and personal care sector is a developing market for many North West companies, so Tricia Francis negotiated a shared UK stand to explore this sub-sector. Three North West companies took part: Borregaard UK, Contract Chemicals and Pentagon Chemicals. Chris Rainford of Pentagon Chemicals said: "The UKTI stand made the cost and organisation of attending the show feasible. It was also interesting to share the approaches the other UK companies on the stand were taking in a market which is very new and different for us."
REACH REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) is likely to come into force in Spring 2007 and requires all chemicals manufactured in, or imported into, the EU in a volume of one tonne or more per year to be registered. For more information on how this may affect your organisation please contact Chemicals Northwest on 01928 515678. For further information contact Cheshire and Warrington Business Venture at info@blinkcw.co.uk or call 0845 345 4025.
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STAY AHEAD OF THE GAME! HIGH GROWTH MARKETS – BRAZIL, RUSSIA, INDIA AND CHINA North West exporters hoping to stay ahead of the game in business cannot afford to ignore the potential of what are now known as the ‘BRIC’ countries – Brazil, Russia, India and China. As the balance of the world economy shifts these markets are assuming an increasingly prominent place on the world stage. What they have in common is both their vast potential and the challenges they present, which is where the help of an International Trade Advisor can be invaluable. A key aspect of the new UKTI five year strategy ‘Prosperity in a Changing World’ is the focus on high growth markets as part of a wider strategy to position UK businesses to adapt to the effects of globalization and make the most of our products and services overseas. Below is an overview of the four markets…
BRAZIL
RUSSIA
INDIA
Brazil is the UK’s major Latin American market, and we are currently one of the country’s key trading partners. A sophisticated and growing middle class and a broad industrial base make Brazil a world market of huge opportunity, and if a product or service is generally competitive elsewhere, it will do well in Brazil.
Russia is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, offering huge long term potential and an enormous market. Russian territory extends across 11 time zones! There are major opportunities for North West companies in most sectors, and Western expertise and products are in high demand.
The government is overseeing a programme of privatisation and deregulation, providing new markets for both goods and services. Current major exports to Brazil include pharmaceutical products and instruments, and power generation and electrical machinery, and many large UK companies have well-established operations in the country.
Over recent years, trade between Russia and the UK has increased significantly, and this is expected to continue. The Russian government is pursuing an extensive programme of economic reform that is creating the conditions for long-term economic growth.
With a population of over 1 billion and rising levels of wealth, India is the 2nd fastest growing major economy in the world with a GDP growth rate of 8.9% at the end of the 1st Quarter of 2006/7 and a potential powerhouse that UK companies cannot afford to ignore. In 2003 UK-India bilateral trade crossed the £5 billion barrier and the UK is now India’s largest trading partner. Major items of UK exports to India include non-metallic minerals, gold, power generating and telecom equipment, transport equipment and industrial machinery.
Brazil also has a thriving aerospace industry, and the country is the fourth largest manufacturer of space satellites, the second largest producer of mobile phones and the fifth largest maker of cars in the world. Brazilians are also pioneers in the up and coming biofuel industry, being the first to convert sugar from crops into alcohol for use in cars.
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Moscow is the seat of government and acts as a distribution centre for the whole country. Major local industries include the power sector, machine building, food, and chemicals. St. Petersburg is also an important business hub, being a key port and an area for machine building, food, power industries and light manufacturing. City links between Manchester and St. Petersburg provide an excellent opportunity for North West companies to develop a network of business contacts there.
Liberalisation of the economy continues, with trade barriers largely removed, and the UK has strong ties with India. English is widely spoken and British companies are ideally placed to take advantage of the growing export and investment market. The International Trade Solutions team together with Cheshire and Warrington are organizing a NW Market Visit to India in February, which will be an ideal opportunity for businesses to gain a foothold in this important new market. (see panel)
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CHINA Greater China is one of the fastest growing markets in the world. The vast economy is extremely diverse, making everything from toys to washing machines and offering enormous opportunities for UK companies. The GDP on the mainland is set to double in the next 10 years, and Chinese middle classes have huge spending power, spending US$2 billion on luxury items last year. Government spending on infrastructure has stimulated construction materials sectors and improved inland access. Telecoms, IT and other hi-tech sectors and reprocessing industries are seeing rapid development. North West towns and cities enjoy strong links with China, and 2006 marks the 20th anniversary of the relationship between Manchester and Wuhan city. Local firms are keen to seize the opportunities available in this increasingly important market, and there is a wide range of companies active in China, coming from an assortment of different sectors, from manufacturing to training and education.
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DON’T GET LEFT BEHIND FORTHCOMING TRADE MISSIONS TO HELP YOUR COMPANY’S EXPORT BUSINESS In coming months we have a range of activities including NW Market Visit to India, and a stand at the CeBIT 2007 exhibition in Germany. Providing a range of useful information and contacts, they also offer an excellent opportunity for networking with other North West exporters. Key events to look out for are:
INDIA MARKET VISIT 17TH-24TH FEBRUARY 2007 This market visit is designed to enable North West exporters to explore new opportunities in India. Starting in Mumbai, the market visit itinerary is designed to offer a structured group programme and flexibility subject to your individual requirements and market identification.
GREATER CHINA ROADSHOW 16TH FEBRUARY 2007 This year’s North West Roadshow was a highlight of the annual events calendar – and next year’s event promises to be even better. Learn from the experts and hear the experiences of local companies who have successfully developed business in Greater China. Coinciding with Chinese New Year celebrations, the event culminates in an exclusive banquet dinner to welcome in the Year of the Pig!
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DAY 14TH MARCH 2007 For companies looking to take advantage of opportunities in high growth markets. For further datails see pages 7 and 8.
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INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DAY 2007 Now an established annual event in the North West calendar, this year’s International Business Day will take place on 14 March 2007 The North West must think globally. We need to make sure we seize new opportunities if we are to keep the region well positioned in the changing world economy. Building on the success of previous years’ events, International Business Day 2007 will set a dynamic agenda to help North West companies, such as yours, achieve your international ambitions. Internationalisation is key to business success. We aim to raise the level of the North West’s performance – helping the best companies get better and others to improve. International Business Day 2007 is certain to prove just as popular as it has done in previous years. This year it will be held at Manchester United’s Old Trafford Stadium. Lucy Meacock of ‘Granada Reports’ fame will host the event, which will feature a lively mix of guest speakers, topics for discussion and undoubtedly, a wealth of success stories. We are delighted to announce that Sir Digby Jones, the governmet's 'skills envoy' and former Director General of the CBI, will deliver the Keynote Address. There will be two Panel Sessions during the day and our experts will focus in one session on the opportunities available to North West business in the Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC) markets. The other session will focus on the following technical aspects of doing business in these high growth markets: • Securing intellectual property rights and managing product liability risks • Finance for international trade and managing foreign exchange risks • Developing successful overseas strategic alliances • Managing and motivating overseas agents and distibutors
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There will also be a chance to meet a selection of our own UKTI trade and investment experts from key markets overseas to discuss trading opportunities. As demand for places is likely to be high and places are strictly limited, please register your interest in attending by completing and returning the attached business reply slip as soon as possible.
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If you are keen to experience International Business Day and make a world of difference to your business, please register your interest here:
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If you are keen to experience International Business Day and make a world of difference to your business, please register your interest here:
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Keith Ditchfield UK Trade & Investment Renaissance House PO Box 37 Centre Park Warrington WA1 1XB
MEET THE BUYER HITS THE SPOT
Affix stamp here Meeting people face to face is one of the best ways of generating new business. And UKTI has helped hundreds of North West companies establish new global business relationships by bringing together exporters and overseas customers through an innovative programme of eight international events entitled Meet the Buyer.
Keith Ditchfield UK Trade & Investment Renaissance House PO Box 37 Centre Park Warrington WA1 1XB
Meet the Buyer turns the traditional exhibition format on its head by bringing together global buyers and sellers but placing the former rather than the latter on the stands. UK companies looking for new markets can then present their products and services directly to senior decision makers from major overseas buyers, all of whom have been checked and pre-qualified. The events, organised by UKTI and supported by the North West Regional Development Agency (NWDA), ran between 2004 and 2006. They focused on developing the regional economy across eight important sectors - automotive, environmental technologies, healthcare, energy, aerospace, workwear, food, drink and chemicals. Highlights of the programme were the aerospace and automotive Meet the Buyer events, which clearly demonstrate the advanced engineering and materials capabilities of the North West. Meet the Buyer has generated over £20m worth of new export business for more than 320 North West SMEs who took part, making the programme UKTI’s biggest and most successful event series to date.
Affix stamp here
It has resulted in the establishment of new international business relationships in over 50 overseas markets for North West suppliers and over £45,000 of new international trade for every £1,000 invested in the programme.
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Highlights of the programme were the aerospace and automotive ‘Meet the Buyer’ events.
Maineport are a specialist fabrication company, assembling equipment used in the oil, gas and nuclear industries. They attended the Energy Meet the Buyer event and agreed that it was a good networking opportunity. David Kinvig, Sales Director, states, “We would recommend Meet the Buyer events to others. We attended the briefing event beforehand, looked at the list of companies and decided exactly who we wanted to see, then met up with them at the event. It proved useful for us and worked well because it catered for a specific market, gathering everyone together in the same place and at the same time.” Clive Drinkwater, North West Regional Director for UKTI, notes that Meet the Buyer well exceeded expectations in terms of outcome. “Each event was preceded by bespoke sales training from a team of UKTI and industry experts, enabling firms to maximise the number of export sales leads made at the events,” he says. “The figures for new export sales generated are very impressive and likely to increase as business relationships formed during the Meet the Buyer programme continue to provide new export orders for the companies concerned, increasing the competitiveness of Northwest SMEs. “The region has now improved its position to third in value of exports, behind only London and the South East, and is one of only three regions to contribute positively to the UK balance of trade.”
Ian McCartney, Minister of State for Trade, Investment and Foreign Affairs cites Meet the Buyer as an excellent example of partnership working which is ensuring the North West is fit to meet the challenge of competing in emerging markets. He says, “The Meet the Buyer programme is another example of the North-West leading the rest of the country. It is clearly boosting the North West’s international trade performance by linking first time and established exporters with new overseas customers and ensuring the North West is fit to meet the continuing challenge of competing in emerging markets. “The excellent partnership between UKTI and the NWDA has helped deliver £20 million real benefits to the local business community and local jobs. I applaud their initiative in demonstrating the strength of the North West region’s knowledge-based sectors on a global stage.” Three North West firms who benefited from the programme are Contamination Control Apparel from Bolton, Maineport in Ellesmere Port and Parsons Brinkerhoff based in Chester.
Contamination Control Apparel produce short-life workwear, both disposable and high-visibility and attended the Workwear, Protective Clothing and Performance Fabrics Meet the Buyer event in November 2005. Ian Clayton, Business Manager says, “We’re already well-established in our market place so it is not easy for us to find serious new prospects. The Meet the Buyer event introduced us to several new companies in a very time-efficient way. Three of them have already become customers, which shows the quality of the organisers’ groundwork.” Parsons Brinkerhoff are an environmental consultancy based in Chester, providing advice related to pollution prevention, planning and likely environmental impact on property issues – ranging in size from single house sites to nuclear power stations. They attended the Environmental Technologies event and Bryan Hughes, the company’s Environmental Principal, says he found the day worthwhile. “The event was well arranged, and the preparatory event the night before was also useful,” he says. “It was good to meet people from both UK and overseas companies that we didn’t have contact with previously and we hope to maintain these contacts with a view to doing business in the future.”
Clive adds, “We look forward to working closely with the NWDA on phase 2 of the programme, which begins with an Energy Meet the Buyers in March 2007.” Steven Broomhead, NWDA Chief Executive, is also delighted with the success of the Meet the Buyer programme. “It’s been a huge success and we are very pleased to be a major supporter,” he comments. “This unique programme of events has provided an invaluable networking opportunity for many businesses across the region and generated significant export orders for a range of Northwest companies.” “The key to any Meet the Buyer event is bringing in the right profile of buyer - with a range of requirements and real decisionmaking power,” concludes Andrew Wilson, Regional Manager at Business to Business Exhibitions, which was selected to organise the North West programme. “Together with UK Trade and Investment we have attracted a total of 219 major buyers into the UK, presenting significant international sales opportunities to North West based companies, on their own doorstep."
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UKTI NORTH WEST REGION CALENDAR OF EVENTS AT HOME AND OVERSEAS GREATER MANCHESTER:
CHESHIRE & WARRINGTON:
GREATER MERSEYSIDE:
25th January 07 - Russia - Opportunities and Challenges: Contact: Alex Crook for details via Tel: 0161 237 4035 or Email: info@itcgm.co.uk.
20th-24th January 07 Market Visit to Advantage Valley Advantage Valley - US Judith Kyle Tel: 0845 345 4025 Email: info@blinkcw.co.uk
10th-13th January 07 Heimtextil Exhibition, Frankfurt, Germany Mike Connor - mike.connor@gme.org.uk Tel: 07966 308 454
7th-8th February 07 - Seminars on Potential opportunities in Austria and Switzerland "British Consulate General - Geneva, Switzerland" Tel: 0845 345 4025 Email: info@blinkcw.co.uk
15th-18th January 07 - Market Visit to Warsaw Simon Howard - simon.howard@gme.org.uk Tel: 07966 308 438
31st January 07 - Nordic Networking: Networking - Business - Contact - Interaction - Friendship Contact: Alex Crook for details via Tel: 0161 237 4035 or Email: info@itcgm.co.uk. 16th February 07 - Greater China Roadshow: Contact Julia Powell for details via Tel: 0161 237 4464 or Email: info@itcgm.co.uk.
13th-16th February 07 INFORMEX - Chemical Exhibition San Francisco - Tricia Francis Tel: 0845 345 4025 Email: info@blinkcw.co.uk
25th January 07 Seminar: Legal aspects of doing business in the US Haydock Park Racecourse Clare Wilde - clare.wilde@gme.org.uk Tel: 0151 649 4574
17th-24th February 07 Trade Mission to India - Multi Sector Mumbai & Orissa - Kevin Finucane / Paul Wilcox Tel: 0845 345 4025 Email: info@blinkcw.co.uk
w/c 5th February 07 Market visit to Prague, Czech Republic Mike Connor - mike.connor@gme.org.uk Tel: 07966 308 454
14th March 2007 - International Business Day: Contact: Kieth Ditchfield for details via Tel: 01925 400190 or Email: kiethditchfield.ukti@nwda.co.uk
4th-10th March 07 Women's Trade Mission to India Mumbai - Lyn Burgess Tel: 0845 345 4025 Email: info@blinkcw.co.uk
7th & 8th February 07 - UKTI Market Visit to Alicante, Spain for British Food & Drink Roadshow Elena Enciso - elena.enciso@liverpoolchamber.org.uk Tel: 0151 227 1234
15th-21st March 2007 - CeBIT 2007 ICT Exhibition, Hanover, Germany: Contact: Alex Crook for details via Tel: 0161 237 4035 or Email: info@itcgm.co.uk.
17th-19th April 07 in-cosmetics - chemical sector exhibition, Paris Tricia Francis Tel: 0845 345 4025 Email: info@blinkcw.co.uk
17th-21st February 07 - Market Visit to Dubai, UAE Mike Cobb - mike.cobb@gme.org.uk Tel: 07966 308 453
19th-23rd March 07 NW Trade Mission to Australia (Avalon) - delivered by Liverpool Chamber of Commerce
18th-20th April 07 CPhI Japan - chemical sector exhibtion Tricia Francis Tel: 0845 345 4025 Email: info@blinkcw.co.uk
16th February 07 - NW - Seizing Greater China & Chinese New Year Business Dinner - supported by UKTI/ITS/CBBC 17th-24th February 07 - Market Visit to India: Contact Julia Powell for details via Tel: 0161 237 4464 or Email: missions@itcgm.co.uk.
5th-9th March 07 Games Developer Conference, San Francisco, USA Margaret Bourke - margaret.bourke@gme.org.uk Tel: 07966 308 481 19th-23rd March 07 UKTI NW Trade Mission to Australia (Avalon) Alison Fisher - fishera@liverpoolchamber.org.uk 0151 227 1234
23rd-27th April 07 Fine chemicals trade mission to Japan Tricia Francis Tel: 0845 345 4025 Email: info@blinkcw.co.uk
20th-22nd March 07 - ISG Sector Group Trade Mission to F.O.S.E. Exhibition, Washington, USA Simon Howard - simon.howard@gme.org.uk Tel: 07966 308 438
OVERSEAS LOCATIONS 20th-24th Jan: U.S Advantage Valley
15th-21st March: Germany, Hanover 10th-13th Jan: Germany, Frankfurt
15th-18th Jan: Poland, Warsaw
17th-19th April: France, Paris
13th-16th Feb: U.S. San Francisco 5th-9th March: U.S. San Francisco
18th-20th April: 23rd-27th April: Japan
7th-8th Feb: Spain, Alicante
19th-23rd March: Austrailia 20th-22nd March: U.S, Washington 17th-24th Feb: India, Mumbai 4th-10th March India, Mumbai
JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL
7th-8th Feb: Austria & Switzerland
w/c 5th Feb: Czech Rep, Prague
17th-21st Feb: Dubai