New support scheme will help Black Country firms export overseas

The Chamber says it's set to help firms doing business across Dudley, Sandwell, Wolverhampton and Walsall take their first steps into exporting or to support firms in growing their international markets.

The West Midlands Combined Authority-backed programme is aimed at manufacturers and service sector companies and will feature a mix of one-to-one advice from expert export advisors, online workshops and face-to-face events.

While the programme is targeting businesses in aerospace, electric light vehicle manufacturing, health and med tech, logistics and distribution, professional financial services and e-commerce, the Chamber is urging all interested businesses who are looking for help to export to get in touch.

Black Country Chamber of Commerce CEO Sarah Moorhouse said: “Given the Black Country’s proud heritage of exporting products and services around the world, we are delighted to be making new support available to businesses across our region.

“Exporting overseas benefits individual businesses, the local economy and UK plc overall so we want to hear from companies who are keen to trade internationally to ensure they benefit from this help, which could literally transform their businesses.

“For companies already trading in markets around the world, there will be support through the new programme to ensure they maximise every opportunity and increase their reach.

“We are encouraging local companies to get in touch to capitalise upon this incredible opportunity to take your business to another level through tailored, one-to-one support from experts.”

The Combined Authority has awarded £632,000 to the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce to lead the programme of support in Coventry, Birmingham, Solihull and the Black Country. Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and Black Country Chamber of Commerce will deliver support in their regions.

Funding was awarded through Business Growth West Midlands and is designed to support growth in the regional economy.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Helping local businesses step into international markets is key to building a strong economy and creating good jobs for local people.

“For many smaller firms, expanding abroad can be a springboard to success, giving them the chance to develop new products, boost competitiveness, and secure overseas customers. This programme provides the targeted support needed to make those first steps easier, paving the way for growth that benefits communities across the West Midlands.”

The project is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), and delivered by the Coventry & Warwickshire, Black Country, and Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

The Black Country Chamber of Commerce helps members and businesses around the region with the smooth transition of goods and services across borders by offering international trade services to help with export documentation and the training and development of exporting company employees.

The Chamber also keeps businesses up to date with trends and topics which impact how exports and imports and enables local companies to develop strategies to make the process easier because of the value seen by firms which do business internationally.

A survey of more than 3,000 UK businesses by the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade found 82% of businesses who exported said revenues had increased as a result, while 82% reported that international trade had fuelled innovation, 81% said exporting had made their business stronger and 79% agreed that exporting led to increased headcount.