Nigel Hutchings, Director of Bristol Chamber of Commerce said: “The beginning of a New Year is a great time for any business to take stock, to review what is going well, to analyse things that could be improved and probably above all, to assess where new customers are to be found. One of the answers to the last question could well be overseas.

“I really would encourage any business, no matter what goods or services they provide, to at least consider the international market. Almost three quarters of businesses don’t export and one of the most common reasons given is that there would be no demand for their products in other countries. But I think many people would be pleasantly surprised if they looked into the possibilities.

“For a start they will find plenty of support. The Government is committed to doubling the number of SMEs assisted by UKTI to export to 50,000 by 2015. The Prime Minister has personally supported new measures to help SMEs export to new markets and Trade and Investment Minister Lord Green has stressed the vital role that exports play in securing economic growth. He’ll be in Bristol on January 16^th to re-affirm the clear message that we must excel in international trade.
“And in early 2012 we will be making it easier to export by launching our new online interactive website – Acorn Interactive which will provide a full range of international trade solutions at your fingertips, saving you time and money.

“International trade has always been vital to the UK and our status as a leading industrial nation was built on the strength of our ability to export. In these days of global uncertainty it has never been more important for us to regain that reputation and virtually all of our Chamber of Commerce members could play a part in that process. Why not make it your New Year resolution to support our Bristol Chamber export drive and give doing business overseas some serious thought?”

Network Central Bristol on 5th July, supported by Business West has already attracted over 200 businesses and now you have an opportunity to win a stand at this event worth up to £250!  Network Central is an opportunity for business people to meet and make contacts from many different sectors and hear from some key guest speakers.  This year, there is a speed networking session from 9.00am and a working lunch session from 1pm until 2.15pm.  During lunch, three prestigious speakers; Robert Craven “The Directors’ Centre”, Brad Burton “MD 4Networking” and Katie Hopkins of “Apprentice fame”, will speak for 10 minutes each and this will be followed by a Q & A session.  Network Central takes place on Tuesday 5th July at the Bristol City Football Stadium, Ashton Gate, Bristol, from 10am until 3.30pm.  Click here to take part in the prize draw to win a stand.  For more information and to book a stand visit: www.networkcentral.me

Exporting has been hailed as the antidote to the recession, and South West firms are being urged to attend an event hosted by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) which could help them expand overseas.

ExploreExport is the South West’s largest gathering of international representatives and offers businesses in the region the chance to connect with over 80 countries including; Africa, North and South America, SE Asia, Australasia, the Baltic States, Belgium, Bratislava, Bulgaria, Canada, the Caribbean, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Far East, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Mexico, Middle East, Nordics, Pakistan, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Taiwan and Turkey.

Taking place on Tuesday 28^th June at the University of West of England Exhibition and Conference Centre, Bristol, the event is a must visit for any business which is currently exporting or which has global aspirations.

Now in its 4^th year ExploreExport is bigger and better than ever with 500 delegates expected to attend and some fantastic speakers lined up including Lord Green, Minsterfor Trade and Investment, Nick Hewer, business advisor and mentor on BBC’s The Apprentice and Lara Morgan, Entrepreneur and Founder of CompanyShortcuts.com.

ExploreExport will allow you to build the network of contacts you need, find out more about the sources of support available, and have individual face-to-face access to specialists from markets across the world.

There will be a number of workshops, networking opportunities and one-to-one meetings on offer to delegates, providing you with the insights and support that you need to shape and launch your export strategy.

Registration fee: £100 (+ VAT) per delegate, including lunch and parking.

For more information and to register, visit http://bristol.ukti-exploretour.com

Andy Bates, Project Manager, Enterprise Europe Network South West

 
As we come to the end of a financial year, here at the Enterprise Europe Network South West, we have been busy planning for the year ahead.  You may also be making plans and what better way to kick-start these than by coming along to a business show!
The Business Show Swindon takes place at STEAM on 10th February. The show, organised by our host organisation, GWE Business West and sponsored by Lloyds TSB Commercial, will feature a topical seminar programme, free speed networking sessions and a conference cafe for networking, refreshment and one to one meetings. There will be a broad showcase of 80 exhibitors from across the region (including us) so its’ an excellent chance to network, ask questions and gather information.
The show is free to attend so if you are planning on growing your business this year, why not come and visit your friendly European business experts at stands 31 and 32.  This is an opportunity to ask questions about trading in Europe, raise any concerns you may have, learn how to access European funding and generally find out how to make trading overseas an important part of your business strategy.
As I have mentioned before, our key offering is helping organisations find like-minded business partners across Europe. We currently have access to over 13,500 viable business opportunities and would be delighted to tell you how you can sign up to receive tailored alerts advising you of potential business partners.
We will be at the show from 9am – 4pm and really hope you can make it!
To register to attend the show and for further information, please click here