SMEs
headquartered in Surrey, Sussex, Kent and Croydon can take part by explaining
in 150 words how their business will develop by attending trade exhibitions
through the Gatwick Trade Fairs webpage (www.gatwickairport.com/trademissions).
Businesses
in the Gatwick Diamond area are 50%
more likely to export than those in other parts of the UK, according to Oxford
Economics. Gatwick and the Exporting is GREAT campaign are looking to further
help these SMEs to take advantage of a range of international trade
opportunities which are supported by DIT and a range of trade associations.
Oxford
Economics also found that Gatwick was an important enabler of trade with £7.5 billion of international goods passing through
Gatwick in 2017 in business that supported 113,800 UK jobs. Such trade
is enabled directly by the transport of cargo within the belly holds of flights
– particularly through the airports 66-strong long haul route network.
International Trade Secretary and President of the Board of Trade Dr Liam Fox MP said:
“Businesses of all sizes should remember that there is a world beyond Europe and there will be a time beyond Brexit. This competition, which we have launched with Gatwick Airport, will help SMEs who may not have the time or resources to realise the opportunities of international expansion and exporting.
“The
DIT stands ready to help companies export. I encourage local businesses to get
in touch with us to learn more about what we can do to help you make the
transition from local to global.”
Guy Stephenson, Chief Commercial Officer, Gatwick Airport said;
“SMEs are an important cog in the economic ecosystem of the South East and we recognise the many challenges they face. By supporting local enterprises to attend international trade shows we hope to provide them with an important step up that will help them to develop and grow their business for the future.
“We
hope to keep working closely with the Department for International Trade to see
how else we might support local business going forward.”
Local
SMEs will have until midnight on 1 April 2019 to enter with the winners being
announced on 29 April 2019. Competition winners will be judged by a joint
committee from Gatwick and the Department for International Trade.
Ben Raby, Head of the South East Regional Trade Team, Department for International Trade, said:
“Although exporting can drive profitability and increase resilience, we know the process isn’t without its challenges. Setting up this competition will give growing companies the chance to take advantage of a range of international trade opportunities.
“Our region
is home to a wealth of innovative and growing SMEs, and I’d encourage
businesses from across the region to put themselves forward for this
competition and get in touch with the DIT team. The demand is out there, and
you could be too.”
By
working with Department for International Trade and UK trade associations, the
winners of the competition will:
- Receive exposure to international industry leaders, Government officials and industry multipliers including the Chambers of Commerce, associations and business councils;
- Receive briefings on local business practices and opportunities, and site visits to local facilities relevant to technologies/services and products
The
Department for International Trade offers a range of support to SMEs, with
services including digital support, information on international business
opportunities and one-on-one meetings with experienced International Trade
Advisers (ITAs).
Companies
across the South east region can find information and a current list of
opportunities by visiting great.gov.uk or contacting DIT South East: at info@tradesoutheast.com or on 0330 300 0012
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