The Government’s aim of transforming the British economy by 2020 by doubling annual exports to £1 trillion and increasing the number of UK exporters by 100,000 is undoubtedly a challenge to UK business and support networks.
Rising to this challenge, UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and the British Chambers of Commerce are developing a global network of business-led organisations to provide practical business support to exporting companies in the UK, offering a seamless journey from their local Chamber of Commerce to fully accredited British Business Centres overseas.
The Prime Minister recently launched an £8m programme to enhance these overseas business networks designed to provide SMEs with practical vibrant spaces in which to land and get started in overseas markets. In addition to the support offered by UKTI and Chambers, these business centres will provide other services – from hot desking to PR and discounted advice from experts – across 40 high growth markets such as Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Poland.
Building a global B2B network has started by connecting the new overseas British Business Centres to UK Chambers. The East of England is fully involved in this initiative and has recently appointed a Regional Coordinator to link accredited Chambers in this region to the networks overseas.
Bradley Rowley, recently International Trade Adviser for UK Trade & Investment based in East Anglia, and Vice Consul for Trade & Investment, British Consulate General, Shanghai, is in place to ensure that companies in Norfolk take full advantage of this new drive. Bradley brings his experience of supporting UK exporters both in the UK and overseas right here to the East of England and will be working in partnership with UKTI, who are behind this important initiative.
Bradley Rowley said:
“Developing strong relationships between domestic and overseas networks is our first priority which will provide UK business with a powerful global business support network for the first time.
“Markets selected have been prioritised as high growth markets but are often seen by our SMEs as difficult to access so it makes sense to provide more B2B support in these countries. In time, this will help position UK businesses at the forefront of global growth opportunities.”
Tracey Howard, International Trade Director of Norfolk Chamber said:
“One thing that remains absolutely clear is the priority that must be attached to boosting our bilateral trade and investment and I am delighted to welcome Bradley, who brings impressive international trade experience. I have no doubt that his combination of business knowledge of the UK market as well as overseas, will greatly benefit businesses in our region.
“Bradley will be developing a much needed integrated global business support network with Chambers of Commerce, UKTI and LEPs, focused on delivering quality services and maintaining high quality customer relations so that companies can see solid and sustained progress in their overseas markets”.
Bradley will be based at Suffolk Chamber’s Ipswich office but will work alongside International Trade Advisers in this region.
Ends
Notes to editors:
Norfolk Chamber – A Powerful Voice for Business
All companies can benefit from the range of information, advice, networking events and International Trade support that is available from Norfolk Chamber.
Norfolk Chamber is one of the most influential business leadership organisations in the UK representing over 800 businesses in Norfolk.
By : • Leading – we provide a powerful voice for business to influence the way our area is shaped • Connecting – we empower the local business community to connect, collaborate and profit • Growing – we help business to prosper through tailored advice, high growth and international trade services
At national level, as part of the British Chambers of Commerce it sits at the heart of a powerful nationwide network of Accredited Chambers of Commerce, serving over 100,000 businesses across the UK, which employ over five million people.
The markets in this programme are Brazil, Colombia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey, UAE and Vietnam; Kuwait, Algeria, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Taiwan, Burma, Philippines, Cambodia, Pakistan, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, Mozambique, Angola, Chile, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Czech Republic and Japan. Although a developed market, Japan is included because it is often a less easy for UK SMEs and China already has a fully-operational China Britain Business Council which acts in this capacity with UKTI China.
