Exporting in the digital age and advice for female entrepreneurs considering growing their business overseas are among the topics to be covered in the West as part of Export Week.
Starting on Monday, the week aims to encourage firms to consider trading internationally or, for existing exporters, to look at new markets. 
UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), the Government organisation committed to boosting overseas trade, is staging a number of events during the week to help businesses with crucial questions and offer expert advice.
The digital marketing event, which will take place on Wednesday at Tortworth Court, Wotton-under-Edge, will explore how businesses can use modern techniques to communicate with customers and how technology is changing the face of exporting.
Keynote speaker David A Smith, chief executive of Global Futures and Foresight (GFF), will look at what the future holds for West companies who seek to harness the power of the digital revolution to grow their business overseas.
He will explore how the world’s expanding middle-class population is affecting global markets and will demonstrate how businesses can tap into these new trade opportunities in growth economies.
The ‘Question Time’ style debate will also address the future of exporting for local businesses. Issues covered will include:
- the political and economic changes that influence global trade
- how the digital revolution makes a difference to exporting
- whether digital communications cross cultural boundaries
- how will the world look in 2020
- whether to trust good old British hope over economic reality for growth in overseas trade
There will also be an opportunity to find out about UKTI’s Open to Export community, the online portal which brings together experts from across the private sector and Government agencies to help small and medium-sized UK businesses successfully enter international markets.
UKTI regional director Russell Jones said: “Digital communications and online tools are playing an increasing role in the way global business is done. This is event is a must for any business looking to expand internationally.”
For further information and to book a place at this event, use the weblink: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-future-of-export-exporting-in-the-digital-age-registration-5929305713.
The second event, which takes place on Thursday at Lackham House, Wiltshire College in Chippenham, is designed to assist and encourage women in business to expand or launch in new export markets.
Keynote speaker is best-selling author Nicola Cook, who has more than 20 years’ experience at the cutting edge of sales and human development, and is renowned for her engaging and energetic delivery which has inspired audiences across the globe.
Nicola will address how to explore export potential in her presentation entitled A Small World.
Russell Jones added: “This event provides the perfect opportunity to network with fellow female business owners and to hear about the range of support available to help businesses realise their export potential.
“Through a combination of expert input and group discussions on exporting issues and international trade opportunities, we hope to inspire and encourage more of the region's businesswomen to explore new markets abroad for their products and services that are successful in the UK.”
Delegates will also be able to meet international trade experts on a one-to-one basis and hear from other businesses about their experiences trading overseas.
For further information and to book a place at this event use the weblink: http://www.exportweek.ukti.gov.uk/full/index.cfm?fuseaction=events.view_event&event_id=411.
For further information on other Export Week events in the South West, visit www.exportweek.uk.ti.gov.uk
For further information on UKTI’s support services, call 0845 60 60 969, email enquiries@uktisouthwest.org or visit www.ukti.gov.uk
