The voice of business in the Tees region | 47
Julie Underwood – director
of International Department
for International Trade
North East.
Today
Tees Valley,
tomorrow
the World!
Businesses across the
Tees Valley are being
urged to “think global”
with the launch of a
new service to boost
exports in the area.
“
Expanding Tees Valley presence in
international markets” has been
created by the Department for
International Trade North East specifically
to help Teesside firms break into overseas
markets.
The project is targeted at small and
medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Tees
Valley Local Enterprise Partnership area
to successfully sell products and services
across the globe.
A completely free service, Expanding
Tees Valley presence in international
markets will provide both practical and
financial support, providing the perfect
launchpad for businesses new to exporting
and also real hands-on help for those
already selling goods and services in other
countries.
Director of international trade, Julie
Underwood, said: “The Tees Valley is a
fertile ground for brilliant SMEs operating
across a wealth of sectors. It is home
to some of the region’s most successful
exporters, but we believe there is an
opportunity to do so much more.
“The Expanding Tees Valley presence
in international markets project provides
an innovative approach to export support.
Businesses tell us what they need and we
deliver it – quickly, simply and effectively.”
Eligible businesses can tap in to £1,800
of support for activities such as:
• Overseas travel
• Attending exhibitions and trade shows
• Internationalising websites and
marketing collateral
• Specific consultancy support
To launch Expanding Tees Valley, an event
is being held next month to help businesses
gain maximum impact from attending
“By the end of March 2020, it
is hoped 132 Tees Valley based
SMEs will have been awarded
a total of £250,000 grant
funding from the campaign.”
overseas trade shows and networking
events.
The Department for International Trade
North East is delivering the event with
ProExtra, which will guide firms through its
interactive workshop of practical advice,
hints and models to assist exporters to
improve their performance.
By the end of the workshop, held at
Prismatic House, Stockton, delegates
will understand how to prepare better;
implement and evaluate trade event
plans to drive a return on investment and
subsequent business growth.
Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen has
backed the new programme, urging firms
to maximise their potential by exploring
overseas markets.
He said: “We have some fantastic local
businesses exporting right across the globe
who will absolutely benefit from this new
service.
“With money available to tap in to and
practical advice on hand, I’m urging every
business in the Tees Valley to sign up and
take advantage of this new scheme and all
the opportunities available overseas.”
Julie added: “Through Expanding the Tees
Valley, we will introduce businesses to their
own international trade advisor, who will
develop an understanding of the firm and its
aspirations before working with it to provide
tailored support and develop an achievable
delivery plan outlining the activities to help
grow trade overseas.
“The trade advisor will also help
businesses access specialist support,
such as virtual export managers and
export sector specialists, as well as grant
funding to assist with the costs of export
promotion.”
Businesses working within most sectors
from across the Tees Valley LEP are eligible
to apply.
Expanding Tees Valley receives ERDF
funding, administered by the Department
for International Trade.
By the end of March 2020, it is hoped
132 Tees Valley-based SMEs will have been
awarded a total of £250,000 grant funding
from the campaign, creating 130 new
jobs and introducing 10 ‘new to company’
products or services to international
markets.