Help available to boost Marches export drive
A comprehensive series of workshops to help new and inexperienced exporters break into overseas markets has been created for businesses in the county.
The Export Academy says the programme – covering getting goods to market, digital marketing, market research and perfecting your pitch – will help businesses take advantage of new export opportunities.
John Wigley, export academy adviser for the Marches, said the full programme built into an extensive masterclass.
“We want as many our companies in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin to start exporting because it is good for them, good for the region and good for the national economy.
“This suite of masterclasses gives a really powerful introduction to exporting and will be particularly useful to any company looking to export for the first time, or which has little experience in selling overseas to date.”
The Getting Goods to Markets workshop will cover the fundamental considerations surrounding export procedures and focus on how international trade procedures are working after the end of the transition period.
The two-part workshop can be started on at 9.30am on March 9 or April 6 with the second sessions on March 23 and April 20 respectively. For more information and to register visit https://www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk/calendar/view/3390_WEBINAR_Export_Procedures_in_2021_Getting_Goods_to_Market
⦁ The pitching workshop is being led by expert coach, Mike Kelly, who will show participants how to give virtual pitching their best shot and to enter the export market with far greater confidence.
Four separate workshops are being held on March 4 and 17 and April 7 and 22, with details at marchesgrowthhub.co.uk/calendar/view/3395_WEBINAR_Virtual_Masterclass_Series_-_Pitching_and_Winning_Business_Internationally.
The importance of market research will take centre stage at individual workshops on March 24 and April 14 and 27. The half-day workshop considers different approaches and research techniques to develop a research plan for your own business. For more information and to register visit marchesgrowthhub.co.uk/calendar/view/3400_WEBINAR_Virtual_Masterclass_Series_-_Market_Research_and_Selection.
And there are also four chances to get up to speed with the importance of digital marketing to export success, with workshops on March 11 and 26 and April 15 and 29. The workshop will examine issues such as website internationalisation, SEO & content marketing, international digital marketing and e-marketplaces. For more information visit marchesgrowthhub.co.uk/calendar/view/3403_WEBINAR_Create_an_International_Marketing_Strategy.
The academy has been launched by the Department for International Trade (DIT) in partnership with the Marches Growth Hub to give small and micro-businesses the tools and confidence to sell around the world.
It is being targeted at SMEs with a turnover of up to £500,000 and will offer a range of expert-led webinars and virtual workshops to encourage businesses to trade overseas.
