Suffolk International Trade Group takes off

Over 35 business delegates recently attended the inaugural meeting of the Suffolk International Trade Group, which took place at Isaacs on Ipswich Waterfront.   Speakers included Jim Fanshawe from East of England International (EEI) and Clydesdale Bank, who sponsored the event.

Suffolk International Trade Group is a collaboration between Suffolk Chamber, East of England International (EEI) and UKTI.  It aims to gather together both novice and experienced exporters from across the county to share experiences, exchange peer to peer knowledge and also provides delegates with access to expert advice from experienced professionals in international trade development.

The Group has been re-launched in response to business needs identified in a recent survey of Suffolk Chamber members.  The survey identified international growth as a key part of the business plan for Suffolk exporters, and demonstrates a real eagerness amongst businesses to export and explore new markets.

The survey highlighted the concerns that businesses face when entering new markets, which included lack of time to find suitable distributors, clients or partners, lack of knowledge about the target market, bureaucracy and documentation, getting paid and how to deal with different product and safety standards.

Jim Fanshawe from EEI, who gave a presentation at the meeting, commented:

"It is extremely encouraging to see that Suffolk companies are embracing international trade.  This is a very promising start for the group and we hope to keep the momentum going by attracting more delegates to the next event, which is being planned for February."

"On the evening it was good to see businesses linking up and exploring how they could help each other by utilising the networks they have built up overseas."

Terry Clark, Chair of Suffolk's International Trade Group, added:

"I'm delighted to be working with EEI/UKTI to bring the Suffolk International Trade Group to fruition.

"For many businesses the best way for them to break into new markets is for them to hear first hand experiences from others.  This way they can avoid the pitfalls and hopefully pick up valuable knowledge, which will help them to succeed."

Future events will cover topics such as the issue of getting paid/overcoming international trade bureaucracy, the export market research scheme and overcoming internal and external barriers to international trade.

For more information on future Suffolk International Trade Group meetings visit the events planner section of this website or email jamesfanshawe@eeia.com

The photo l-r is:  Terry Clark, Chair of SITG, Jim Fanshawe & Gary Griffiths from Clydesdale Bank who sponsored the event...