A group of Midlands businesses that have found export success overseas have been recognised as Export Champions by the Department for International Trade (DIT) at an event held at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena.
The 56 leading exporters have been selected by DIT for their inspirational approach to growing their businesses through exporting and will encourage peers in the region to follow suit. The appointments come at a time when worldwide appetite for British goods continues to grow, with UK exports up 2% in 2018.
Champions will offer practical advice on how to turn exporting ambitions into a reality utilising their experience, and also offer guidance on how DIT can help them break into new markets. The Midlands’ Export Champions include Malvern-based jewellery maker Beach Art Glass and Loughborough’s Morningside Pharmaceuticals, which manufactures and supplies medicinal products.
The national Export Champion community, launched in March as part of the Exporting is GREAT campaign, was introduced in response to a desire from businesses to receive peer-to-peer exporting support. There are now 250 Export Champions active across England, and DIT’s ambition is to expand the programme to at least 1,000 Champions by April 2020.
As part of the launch, DIT is also inviting businesses looking to take their first steps towards exporting to become an Export Advocate. Export Advocates will form part of an online exporting community where they can ask questions about overseas trade, get advice on overcoming barriers, and find out about specific support available.
Ian Harrison, DIT’s Head of Exports in the Midlands, said:
The Midland’s new Export Champions embody global ambition and they are the best candidates to inspire and guide other local businesses on their exporting journey. We’re proud to have them on board and part of a nationwide programme designed to encourage more businesses to grow through exporting by sharing their own experiences.
We have a wealth of successful exporters across the region and I would encourage them to join the wider community by signing up as Export Advocates. By sharing their export stories via online channels, they will also be part of Exporting is GREAT, the government’s most ambitious exporting campaign ever.
Companies can find information and a current list of opportunities by visiting great.gov.uk or contact:
DIT West Midlands
E: wmenquiries@mobile.trade.gov.uk
T: 0345 222 0159
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