British Water Members' Handbook 2017 2017 Edition | Page 42

MESSAGE FROM THE INTER NATIONA L
FORUM CHAIR M A N
As the Chairman of the International
Forum for 2014-2017, I am delighted
once again to introduce this section of
our Members’ Handbook.
Lloyd Martin
British Water’s International Forum provides
information and networking opportunities for our
member companies involved in exporting and
overseas trade development. It links into other trade
associations, business development groups and
the UK Government’s trade promotion teams in the
Department for International Trade (DIT). As such it
provides a unique platform for companies wishing
to expand their business overseas by entering new
markets or introducing new technologies.
The International Forum enables our members to:
engage with potential clients or partners; understand
new markets better; learn about forthcoming projects;
and gain access to the UK Government’s teams of
experts in DIT, in the UK and in our Embassies, High
Commissions and Consulates abroad. The Forum
provides a networking conduit for best practices
and knowledge, and as such can help your company
achieve greater export successes.
The Forum normally meets 4 times a year, in
London, with guest speakers on a range of export-
related topics. When possible, meetings are
scheduled to enable overseas delegations to attend.
Member companies and associated organisations
are encouraged to host these meetings to provide
attendees with a closer understanding of that
host’s international business focus and successes.
Please note: we are always looking for volunteers to
provide venues!
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Our biennial international membership survey has
provided us with the geographical directions in which
you would like to see us travel, and what areas of
support you most need from us. These focus territories
are shared with DIT’s team to ensure that our support is
as effective as possible, and the countries are listed in
the International Forum Update pages that follow.
Also shown therein are the markets for which we can
now provide mentoring support. We have established
a small team of experts from our membership
who have agreed to share their specialist business
knowledge and experience for several key countries.
Members who require specific assistance should
contact our International Director, Lila Thompson,
who will pass requests on to the relevant mentor.
The International Forum has expanded its activities
with partner organisations over the past 12 months.
In May we signed a Memorandum of Understanding
with the French trade associations Pôle-Eau & Swelia;
we have furthered our links with Enterprise Ireland;
and we are developing an exciting initiative to seize
opportunities in the Iranian water sector. Details
of many of these initiatives will be found on the
following pages.
www.britishwater.co.uk