A week of webinars and online export advice sessions are taking place throughout July to help businesses across the Midlands that want to start or expand overseas trading.
Delivered by the Department for International Trade, the Midlands Engine and the West Midlands Chambers of Commerce’s ERDF SME International Growth Project, Export Web Week (July 16-20) offers busy companies the chance to discover more about how to export for the first time, how to build on existing export successes and how to discover new growth opportunities by taking part in Twitter chats and webinars. In addition, businesses will be able to access export experts from a global network of British Embassies and Overseas Delivery Partners where companies can identify and discuss opportunities from a wide range of countries, from the comfort of their own desk.
With 25 separate events – most of which are just one hour long – taking place across the five days, there are ample opportunities for ambitious companies to get involved.
Ian Harrison, Head of Exports in the Midlands at Department for International Trade, said “As an organisation dedicated to helping businesses export, we organise dozens of events every year that provide valuable information and support. Our role is about actively engaging businesses, talking to them and introducing them to their likeminded counter-parts, but we are aware that it can be difficult to commit to half a day or a day out of the office,” he said.
“For that reason, we’ve organised a series of online events that people can take part in, which will allow them to gain maximum benefit while taking less than an hour out of their working day. We think that this is an innovative approach that will be welcomed by businesses.
“There are webinars on a myriad topics – from finance to finding new markets – as well as opportunities to speak to trade advisers about the international support we can offer. There’s something for everyone.”
For more information about Export Web Week and to register for any of the webinars, visit the DIT website here.
Those that register for a webinar will also receive a recording after the event.
Timetable of events:
Monday, July 16
10:00 – 11:00 Webinar: Learn the essentials of exporting in one hour
09:45 – 13:00 Online 1-1 meeting: Ireland (construction sector)
13:00 – 14:00 Webinar: How can the Department for International Trade & ERDF support and help grow your business?
14:30 – 15:00 Twitter Chat: Ask the international trade adviser #exportchat
15:00 – 16:00 Webinar: How to research and expand into international markets.
Tuesday, July 17
10:00 – 11:00 Webinar: Exporting Homewear and DIY products to Central Europe and BHETA trade mission to Romania
09:45 – 13:00 Online 1-1 meeting: Slovenia
13:00 – 14:00 Webinar: Business Culture: The etiquette of doing business abroad
14:30 – 15:00 Twitter Chat: International Growth Project how can we help you? #exportchat
15:00 – 16:00 Webinar: British Allied Trade Federation: First steps in exhibiting at an International Expo.
Wednesday, July 18
10:00 – 11:00 Webinar: Give your website and social media international appeal
09:45 – 13:00 Online 1-1 meeting: Netherlands (food and drink sector)
13:00 – 14:00 Webinar: Infrastructure opportunities in the Nordic Baltic regions
14:30 – 15:00 Twitter Chat: All things digital #exportchat
15:00 – 16:00 Webinar: A global footprint: SEO & selling online
Thursday, July 19
10:00 – 11:00 Webinar: An audience with an Export Champion – Jane Shepherd
09:45 – 13:00 Online 1-1 meeting: France
13:00 – 14:00 Webinar: Santander
14:30 – 15:00 Twitter Chat: UK Export Finance #exportchat
15:00 – 16:00 Webinar: Working Capital in International Trade & Identifying Potential New Markets and Buyers
Friday, July 20
10:00 – 11:00 Webinar: KPMG’s guide to accessing, navigating and operating successfully in new international markets
09:45 – 13:00 Online 1-1 meeting: Czech Republic
13:00 – 14:00 Webinar: How to increase your export sales
14:30 – 15:00 Twitter Chat: Business culture #exportchat
15:00 – 16:00 Webinar: Financing your export growth with NatWest & UK Export Finance
To find out more about the ERDF SME International Growth Project, visit the West Midlands Chamber of Commerce website.