More than 100 businesses from across the South West heard how to grow their export potential at the recent CBI Global Growth Conference.
The event, held in partnership with UK Trade and Investment, was aimed at businesses that want to explore overseas markets.
The conference at the UWE Conference Centre in Bristol was opened by Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer, who spoke about the export market’s importance to the luxury aut0motive firm’s success and the role its global brand will play in ensuring that it remains a sustainable business. 
Also speaking at the event was Richard Clothier, managing director of Bruton, Somerset-based Wyke Farms, which supplies cheddar cheese to more than 160 countries across the world as well as supermarkets around the UK.
He said: “Exports account for 30% of our sales and we intend to grow this to 50% in a year. Exporting not only reduces risk but also adds value in the UK market.”
His address was followed by a panel discussion with three local businesses that have already developed successful export strategies: Yeovil-based leather goods producer Pittards, Cheltenham engineering group Spirax Sparco and Bath-based Buro Happold Engineering.
There were also workshops on issues including economic and social risk, export finance and compliance during which they had the opportunity to quiz representatives from Bristol animation studio Aardman, cider maker Thatchers and the Foreign Office.
The attendees also had the opportunity to book one-to-one sessions with specialists advisers to discuss their own export strategies. The experts on hand included advisers from UKTI, as well as the China Britain Business Council, the India British Council and UK Export Finance.
CBI regional director Deborah Waddell, pictured, said: “It has long been known that ‘Brand Britain’ is highly desirable globally. However, it may be surprising to find out just how important its value is, and the Global Growth event has been designed to explore this. We aim to help organisations new to exporting explore what can be achieved, and galvanise and motivate those already experienced in international operations to expand their presence.”
UKTI South West acting regional director Jason Carter added: “We are continuing to see an increase in the number of businesses in the region choosing to export their products and services. The latest regional trade statistics released by HMRC show that South West exports have grown more than 10% from £13.8bn in 2014 to £15.2bn last year.
“We have a great deal of experience, knowledge and support in the region from organisations such as UKTI and the CBI and there are many local businesses that already have successful export strategies. The conference provided a great opportunity to share these experiences and explore best practice.”
“This means that we have a great deal of experience and knowledge in the region from organisations such as UKTI and the CBI, but also within local businesses that already have successful export strategies. The conference provided a great opportunity to share these experiences and explore best practice.”
