MP hosts event to get businesses exporting
Meriden MP and former Chamber president Saqib Bhatti (pictured) hosted an online event offering businesses the guidance to export and grow internationally in the wake of Brexit and the impact of the pandemic, writes Claudia Congrave.
The event followed a report from the Office for National Statistics that saw a 40.7 per cent drop in European exports in January, a loss of some £5.6 billion.
The West Midlands Parliamentary Export Programme webinar was part of a wider series hosted by MPs from across the region, and detailed the benefits of working with the Department for International Trade (DIT) when looking to branch out into exporting.
The DIT provides different levels of guidance to businesses, including export support for SMEs via local international trade advisors and the chance to join the export academy which provides businesses with the education and mentoring needed to transition to exporters.
Towards the end of last year, the DIT also announced a £38 million Internalisation Fund which offers grant support to small and medium sized enterprises looking to grow their overseas trading and strengthen their business.
One company which has had a successful partnership with the DIT is Midlands- based forensic software innovator Forensic Pathways.
Forensic Pathways was founded in 2001 as a provider of technology for crime scene forensics and cyber threat intelligence. The firm sought the advice of the DIT in 2003 as they began their export journey, which involved Turkey.
Deborah Leary, vice president of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) and chief executive and founder of Forensic Pathways, attributed the support of her trade advisor to the success of her business when navigating the international market
She said: “You quickly realise on this journey that one size does not fit all. You 'll need a different strategy for each product or service you 're planning to export. ”
In light of this, she advised businesses to be proactive and not reactive when treading the road to export and to not see exporting as a quick fix, but rather a long term investment.
Forensic Pathways have since expanded their exports to Europe, USA, Australia, South Africa, Nigeria, and have interests in Singapore and UAE.
The firm has also become part of the 'Export Champion Community ', which provides peer support from more than 1,000 experienced businesses.
Chamber international director Mandy Haque said: “The Parliamentary Export Programme event highlighted the significant difference that the support of an international trade adviser can make to your business on the exporting journey, with practical tips on trading to help you with every step.
“Whether if you are completely new to exporting or just need some help with overcoming particular trade issues, the trade adviser team based here at the Chamber can guide you to help make the right choices and provide the information to support your business growth. ”