Businesses on track for new work after Le Mans visit

The companies visited the region two weeks ago ahead of the famous 24-hour endurance race to meet prospective customers.

Organised and funded by the SME International Growth Project, a business internationalisation programme co-finance by the European Regional Development Fund and delivered by West Midlands Chambers of Commerce, the mission saw the business leaders spend two days in specially organised meetings.

They also met Matthew Lodge, the British Ambassador to UNESCO, regional and local authorities, and the Chamber of Commerce for the Pays de la Loire region.

Andy Smith, international relations manager for the project, said all the companies are now actively pursuing leads that were generated during the mission, with 70 per cent hopeful of new business – two of which should be worth about £80,000.

“There are clear economic synergies between the West Midlands and Pays de la Loire,” he said.

“Both regions are strong in automotive, aerospace and transport technologies and the companies had the chance to meet some big players from the sector, such as the PSA Group and Renault as well as the local automotive innovation cluster lead.”

“The IBD Le Mans Mission was worthwhile for A&M EDM as it introduced us to potential new customers and good contacts among the West Midlands companies,” said Gary Surman, works manager at A&M EDM in Smethwick, which is following up six positive leads from the mission.

Craig Coyne, director of Walsall-based Ashcroft Components, which secured a number of business leads, said: “Making business acquaintances from both the UK and France, we have opened doors to new markets and changed our ideas on who our new customers should be.”

Willenhall-based WH Tildesley also attended the visit. All ten firms have already signalled their desire to meet Pays de la Loire firms and representatives when they make a return visit to the Midlands in November.