A search is being launched to find 1,000 new exporters in the North West during 2013, to help give a boost to the region’s economy.
UK Trade & Investment – the government body that encourages businesses to trade abroad – is kick-starting the search by giving more than 100 firms the chance to visit Dublin in March for an export taster visit.
The two-day trip will include return flights from Manchester Airport, overnight accommodation, and a programme of networking and training events. New and novice exporters will be able to take part in the visit for a nominal charge of £99 plus VAT.
Residents in Ireland spend an average of £3,558 on British goods every year, and the country is currently the North West’s fifth largest export market. The value of exports from the region during 2011/12 was estimated at £1.2 billion.
Ireland is also the UK’s largest importer of food and drink products, and the country’s young population – with a third of people aged between 25 and 44 – makes it attractive to exporters.
“We’re working hard to increase the number of firms that export products from the North West, and I’d like to see at least 1,000 new companies start exporting during 2013,” explained Clive Drinkwater, UKTI’s Regional Director in the North West.
“The trip to Dublin in March will be a great introduction to what exporting is all about, and Ireland is a good country to choose as your first export market due to its close proximity and links to the UK.
“Just under half of our exports still go to EU countries so they’re a sensible choice for new exporters as the cost of flights and transportation is relatively inexpensive. Once you’ve successfully exported to one country, it also makes it much easier to start targeting others.
“The opportunities are there for companies to start exporting and I hope the trip to Ireland in March will give many of them the incentive they need to give it a go.”
• The Export Insight Visit to Dublin will take place on 5 and 6 March, and the deadline to register is Thursday 31 January. More details are available at www.ukti.gov.uk/northwest or by calling 0161 875 2274