Around 300 businesses attended events across the South West last week to learn about international business opportunities and the support available to reach new customers around the world.
A series of nine UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) events were held across the region as part of Export Week.
Building on previous events, Export Week offered a mix of seminars, masterclasses, one-to-one meetings, workshops and networking events to inform and inspire businesses to take up the export challenge. Events were aimed at both the novice and experienced exporter and firms in between. 
There were also opportunities to hear from local companies who have succeeded in breaking into new markets and to meet and network with the expert presenters on a one-to-one basis.
Pictured: A UKTI round table event on trading with Indonesia staged during Export Week
UKTI regional director Russell Jones said: “It was great to see so many fantastic South West businesses during Export Week and to hear about companies of all sizes taking up the international trade challenge. I hope we have inspired more of the region’s businesses to take up the exporting for growth challenge and take advantage of the support UKTI can offer.
“Exporting is crucial to the growth of our regional economy. The British brand is incredibly strong throughout the world, bringing with it a reputation of credibility and reliability and there has never been a more opportune time to take advantage of these commercial prospects.
“I strongly believe that most companies can and should export – from single-owner operations to large corporations. If you are successful in the UK, there is no reason why you can’t sell abroad, if you do your research and plan properly.”
To find out more about the wide range of support services available through UKTI, visit www.ukti.gov.uk, call 0845 60 60 969 or email enquiries@uktisouthwest.org
