Trade and investment minister Lord Livingston has been given a glimpse of Swindon and Wiltshire’s innovation and global ambitions on his first visit to the county.
He met four local companies with international growth plans during a day-long visit – waste recovery specialist Tetronics International in South Marston, bespoke furniture business Canburg in Devizes, appliance innovator Dyson in Malmesbury and Chippenham-based high-value software and IT pioneer SciSys.
Lord Livingston was given a tour of Tetronics International’s state-of-the-art headquarters, demonstration facility and manufacturing site, where he had an opportunity to hear about its export success and international growth plans.
The firm, which develops technology used in recycling and hazardous waste treatment, recently strengthened its position in the global market by supplying a major new precious metals recovery plant in Taiwan.
At Canburg, the minister discussed how UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) can help high-growth mid-sized businesses through its network of international trade advisers and global experts.
A visit to Dyson’s research facility in Malmesbury enabled him to discuss the support it receives from UKTI and to hear about its growth in emerging markets, including Latin America and the Middle East.
International business ambitions were also high on the agenda when the minister visited SciSys. The business, which specialises in developing bespoke IT services and integrated systems within a variety of sectors including space and defence, is looking to grow its international footprint and has recently starting working with UKTI plans to grow sales in China.
Lord Livingston said: “I've been hugely impressed by the innovation and ambition I've seen in Wiltshire. British products and services have a strong appeal around the world, and the heritage and expertise of companies in the South West make a great contribution to the UK brand.
“By working with companies like Tetronics, Canburg, SciSys and Dyson, we want to inspire other South West companies to grow their international customer base. Expert trade advice and support from UK Trade & Investment is available to all companies to start them on the path to exporting success.”
UKTI deputy regional director, Jason Carter, added: “We were only able to show Lord Livingston a fraction of the export success generated by businesses in this region but we are very grateful that he took the time to come and see some of what the South West has to offer the rest of the world.
“Almost any business has the potential to start exporting but many need the support and confidence to do so. UKTI South West continues to offer expert advice and guidance to experienced and novice exporters, whether they are small, mid-sized or large businesses, so I would urge the region’s businesses to get in touch and find out how UKTI can help.”
To find out more about UKTI’s wide range of support and services in the South West, visit www.ukti.gov.uk or call 0845 60 60 969.
Pictured, from left: Robert Buckland – South Swindon MP, Graeme Rumbol – CEO of Tetronics International, Paris Moayedi – chairman of Tetronics International, Lord Ian Livingston – trade and investment minister, Justin Tomlinson – North Swindon MP, Rolf Stein – CEO of Advanced Plasma Power
