Wirral Life January 2018 | Page 82

WIRRAL BUSINESS Wirral Chamber of Commerce WIRRAL CHAMBER LAUNCHES ‘IN BUSINESS’ EVENTS PROGRAMME WITH FOCUS ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE Wirral Chamber’s monthly programme of ‘In Business’ events began with January’s eagerly anticipated showcase on International Trade. His sentiments were echoed by Dan Green, International Trade Manager at NatWest bank and one of the keynote speakers at January’s event, who said, These popular events provide an excellent opportunity for Wirral businesses of all sizes to stay informed about key issues influencing the growth of their business and opportunities for support. Wirral Chamber have joined forces with over 40 strategic partners who provide excellent speakers and debate panellists across a diverse range of issues including digital infrastructure, skills, health and cyber-crime. “I am impressed with Wirral Chamber’s programme of events for 2018 and was pleased to speak at the first In Business event on international trade. My job at NatWest is to support businesses with their planning for overseas trade. That might be helping them to identify and mitigate risk; access funding or handing them through to partners like Wirral Chamber or the Department of International Trade to obtain export documentation or training.” January’s event challenged Wirral businesses to make 2018 the year to re-visit their plans for international trade. Experts were on hand from partners including Turkish Airlines, NatWest, UK Export Finance and LV Shipping who gave an insight into the excellent connectivity for visiting overseas markets, support with funding, negotiating payment terms, and getting goods into or out of the country safely and efficiently. Andy Snell - Head of Strategic Partnerships and International Trade at Wirral Chamber of Commerce urged new businesses who haven’t yet engaged with the Chamber to make a New Year’s resolution and give it a try, “Many businesses in Wirral supply products and services across the world and opportunities exist across a broad range of sectors, in traditional, established markets like Europe and the US, and high-growth economies across the Middle East, South America and Asia. International Trade is not just for bigger businesses- the number of small UK firms exporting has increased by over 10 percent in both manufacturing and services over the last 5 years.” 82 wirrallife.com “Most of the businesses I speak to are positive about trading abroad and I think that is the mindset you need to succeed. The drop in the value of the pound means exporters are having a good time. UK export products are more competitive around the world and many firms report demand increasing. I am seeing more businesses with export opportunities and it’s a good time for business to explore their own ambitions.” “While there are risks and challenges unique to overseas trade they should not dissuade you from taking advantage of opportunities when they arise. There is so much support available for UK businesses to assist and guide you. I would encourage anyone with an interest in exporting or importing to contact Wirral Chamber and experience, first hand, the support that is available.” For details of future In Business events, please contact [email protected] or call 0151 650 6940.