A ‘must attend’ one-day regional conference for current and prospective exporters has been hailed a resounding success.
Over 50 companies from across the region attended the inaugural event, hosted by the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Department for International Trade (DIT), MY Export Hub, Kirklees Council, University of Huddersfield and Wakefield Council.
Designed to provide practical and relevant guidance for regional exporters who are looking to enter new markets and gain insight into the international trade opportunities in post-Brexit Britain, the event, which was held at John Smith’s Stadium in Huddersfield, provided timely advice.
Leah Quarmby, MY Export Hub Supervisor at Mid Yorkshire Chamber, said: “Given the news that Brexit was to be delayed until the 31 October, the topics covered throughout the conference were extremely relevant and well received.
“Brexit was a natural talking point throughout the day, and the many questions from delegates highlighted the concerns and challenges many exporters are continuing to face. It is now more apparent than ever that businesses need to be fully prepared for both pre and post Brexit exporting and international trading.
“Conferences like this help businesses who are unsure of where to turn for advice, discuss their options and gain useful, practical tips from some of the UK’s leading trade experts and professionals.”
Over the course of the day, eight speakers addressed a range of topics from understanding culture to available funding, to using international trade to grow profitability and post Brexit documentation requirements.
Paul Wrighting, British Chambers of Commerce Representative spoke specifically about the benefits of international trade saying: “Research shows that companies who trade internationally, grow more profitably, at a quicker rate, and last longer.
“It is important however, to make sure that your staff are compliant with regulations, and that your agents are acting in your best interests.”
Others to offer insight were Joshua Edwards, deputy head, UK Regions – Yorkshire and Humber at the Department for International Trade, Lesley Batchelor OBE, director general at The Institute of Export and International Trade (IOE&IT), Peter Dodd, Commercial Director, Welcome to Yorkshire, Jo Lavan of Connect China, Dave Lister of Viking Shipping, David Reader of DKR Trade Training and Support, Richard Paxman of Paxman and David Masters of OE electrics.
Richard Mellor, a product specialist at Denford Ltd who attended the said: “The conference was fantastic, a real breath of fresh air for those in the export industry, especially given the ongoing Brexit delays.
“Before the event, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I came away with answers to the questions which I had been worrying about since the company began trading internationally.”
The International Trade Conference will return in 2020. To stay up to date with the Chamber’s upcoming events, please visit www.mycci.co.uk.
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