Boost to NW export ambitions is focus of online trade conference

North West businesses with export ambitions will be urged to take their share of the Internationalisation Fund at an event with the Department for International Trade (DiT). 

‘Export North West: financing your international ambitions’ will bring together international trade and finance experts as well as businesses already using funds to expand their horizons. 

The event, taking place online on Thursday July 8, 10am to noon, will feature interviews, panel discussions and case studies. 

In addition, the DiT will introduce the Internationalisation Fund which has been created to offer SMEs in the North West match-funding of up to £9,000 to explore international potential, including market research, translation services, attending trade fairs and consultancy services. 

Speakers confirmed: 

• Bobbie Charleston Price, international trade team leader, DiT
• Steve Cowles, export finance manager, UK Export Finance
• Lynne Gillen, export manager, DiT
• Sue Barnard, senior manager, British Business Bank
• Andy Dobson, head of northern division, Moneycorp

Business leaders will be sharing their insight into how using export funding has helped them meet their international ambitions. 

They include: 

• Phil Whitwell, director, Batch Brew, Burnley
• Lyn Pitt, managing director, DT&G
• Peter Thompson, international operations manager, Evans Vanodine

Lynne Gillen, export manager at DiT, said: “This is a great opportunity for companies to secure financial and professional support to assist with their international plans and growth aspirations.   

“The pandemic has affected the way we all do business and an export-led recovery is crucial to the future success and prosperity of the region. Hear from like-minded companies who have used funding and financial options to accelerate their growth activities, together with financial experts who will be on hand to demystify the process.” 

Richard Slater of Lancashire Business View, which is hosting the event with DiT, said: “International trade provides opportunities for a wide variety of north west businesses and will play an important role in the the region’s post-pandemic recovery. 

“This event, aimed at those who are considering exporting for the first time, or who would like to increase their existing export operation, will offer practical advice, aspirational case studies, and will shine a light on the Internationalisation Fund which is there to be a catalyst for all overseas ambitions.” 

The event will also feature the optional taster session from the Export Academy: Moving Your Money. 

The event is free to attend and bookings can be made here: https://bit.ly/ExportNW