Wolverhampton to host global growth workshops for would-be SME exporters
A series of workshops aimed at West Midlands businesses that want to start exporting their goods or services are to begin in Wolverhampton later this month.
Organised by West Midlands Chambers of Commerce’s ERDF SME International Growth Project, the You Can Export series includes four half-day, morning sessions that cover: market research and selection; routes to market; export pricing; and how to internationalise a website. Businesses can attend one or all four.
Andy Smith, international relationships manager for the SME International Growth Project, said the free workshops, which will be held at the Hotel Novotel, in Wolverhampton city centre, are ideal for companies that have little or no experience of exporting but are looking to spread their wings globally by learning about the fundamental topics of exporting.
“Many businesses don’t realise how much help and support they can receive, so either put off their export plans or struggle on their own when they start trading outside of the UK for the first time,” he said.
“However, we offer a huge range of assistance to businesses and can guide them, provide advice and help them with everything from the documentation to digital and from financial support for overseas visits to putting them in contact with our Embassy experts.
“SMEs based in the West Midlands can attend these workshops free of charge and are the ideal starting point if they want to dip their toes into the export market. There will also be opportunities to speak to an array of advisers and experts who can support them on their journey.”
The first one, which focuses on market research and selection, takes place on Tuesday, June 26. It is designed to help companies prioritise overseas markets using market research and will cover topics such as modelling for effective and time-saving desk research using the internet; important factors to consider when visiting an overseas market to conduct research; and how to select and commission professional research.
The second takes place on Wednesday, July 11 and will examine routes to market, covering topics including the different ways that businesses can sell into an overseas market common pitfalls and advice on how to avoid them
The third workshop, on Tuesday, July 24, is about setting and managing export prices for products and services across international markets and will focus on a range of topics, including the importance of local customs with regard to pricing; negotiation; establishing contractual terms; identifying alternative pricing strategies; and increasing the opportunity for export profitability. This workshop will also introduce services offered by the Department for International Trade (DIT) and UK Export Finance.
The final workshop on Tuesday, August 7, will be run by a DIT digital adviser and will advise businesses on how to develop their websites so that they have international appeal. Participants will learn how to localise an e-commerce website; how to use online tools to gain market insights; and how to use social media with an international audience.
The workshops start at 9.30am, end at 12.30pm and take place at Hotel Novotel Wolverhampton, Union Street. Spaces are limited, so to secure a free place, visit http://youcanexportseries.eventbrite.com
