Henry Smith MP has urged local businesses to take advantage of Export Week, which coincides with a locally-led initiative designed to support local companies fulfil their export potential.
Commenting, Henry said:
“The importance of encouraging exports can’t be stressed enough, and it’s essential that Great Britain shows itself to be open for business. Increasing the level of international trade across the region must remain one of our top priorities. To mark the start of Export Week, this great local initiative will assist in bringing in necessary foreign investment which is crucial in creating jobs and boosting growth.
“The event is another example as to how Crawley is leading the way in our nation’s economic recovery. I’d urge local businesses that have the potential to export, but are not yet doing so, to come forward and work with this initiative to maximise their potential. The initiative will be formally set rolling on 7th December 2012 and will help raise awareness of what support is on offer and provide essential advice for those local businesses interested in exploring the opportunities of exporting abroad.
“The Government has already taken significant steps towards ensuring that Great Britain is open to business and actively competing for foreign investment. The impact of the Government’s policies are clear from the fact that we as a country: have a million new private sector jobs; have the largest number of new start-up firms in recent history; have cut the historic national deficit by a quarter; have become a net-exporter of cars again; and are making and exporting things again – UK exports rose by an impressive £50 billion last year. The expansion of trade is an essential national priority – UK exports have been boosted to Brazil by 25 percent; China by 40 percent; Russia by 80 percent; and India by 34 percent. This summer, for the first time in decades, Great Britain exported more outside Europe than inside Europe. But we can still go further – which is where local Crawley firms come in to play.”
Henry will be joining with Coast-to-Capital Local Enterprise Partnership, UK Trade & Investment, the Gatwick Diamond Initiative and Sussex Enterprise to host a free International Trade business event.
The event, taking place on 7th December 2012, will enable local small and medium sized businesses and professional advisors to discover the assistance available to those seeking to sell their products and services overseas. Businesses will hear from a range of experts and gain practical advice from local firms who have already taken the step to trade overseas. The event is part of a nationwide campaign to help an additional 100,000 businesses export by 2020 and will be of interest to both experienced exporters and those considering overseas trade for the first time.
Taking place at the Arora Hotel, Crawley from 8.30am until 11.30 am, places may be booked online in advance at: http://international-trade-event-gatwick.eventbrite.co.uk. Alternatively, please call Julia Owen at Prowse & Company Ltd on 01372 363386 for more details.
Occurring 12-16th of November, Export Week is an initiative by UK Trade & Investment to invite small and medium size enterprises to over one hundred events across the UK. Experts from across 70 markets will be providing advice and speakers from your region who will be talking about new real life experiences of doing business overseas.