Export chiefs hope that a former shipping container covered with colourful street art will hold the key to getting more Swindon firms to take their business to the world.
Launched this week, Business West’s #GetExporting campaign highlights the benefits of exporting in an innovative way.
The eye-catching container, spray-painted by a pair of Bristol street artists, is a far cry from the way overseas trade is traditionally promoted.
Instead of inviting prospective exporters to events in anonymous hotel meeting rooms, the container will tour the region, including Swindon, acting as a vibrant venue for workshops and advice gatherings and a showcase for existing exporters from around the West of England, including firms taking tea to China, cheese to France and cider to Australia.
At the launch outside the Bristol’s Engine Shed innovation hub, exporters such as AngelBerry, Lye Cross Farm, Moulton Bikes, Rollasole and Pukka Herbs used the #GetExporting container to showcase how selling overseas has helped their business.
The #GetExporting container concept was devised by Bath creative marketing agency Mr B & Friends, who commissioned renowned street artists Andy Council and Tim Ulewicz to paint its exterior.
Over the next six months it will make its way around principal sites in the region acting as a venue for export advice.
The campaign comes on the back of a Government pledge to double exports to £1 trillion a year by 2020. Business West aims to get 2,020 South West businesses selling abroad – or increasing their exports – by the year 2020.
James Monk, commercial director at Business West, which runs the Swindon and Wiltshire Initiative, said: “Quite simply, South West businesses are not exporting enough.
“Yet research shows that businesses which export have significantly greater growth prospects, more durability and higher profitability than companies who don’t.
“Exporting businesses generate an average growth of 30% after exporting for just two years – a serious reason for businesses to consider trading overseas. To get this message across we have taken an iconic symbol of exporting – a shipping container – and created a high-profile campaign that will make people stop and stare, talk, tweet, participate and, most of all, to encourage active discussion about exporting.”
As part of the #GetExporting campaign Business West is offering local businesses the chance to reap the benefits of exporting and take part in a short survey for the chance to win an export support package worth more than £3,000. To enter visit www.getexporting.info
Pictured: Exporters and Business West advisers at the launch of the #GetExporting campaign. Photo by Jon Craig
