Businesses were given the chance to build contacts with international trade experts from more than 70 countries at an event in Northampton.
ExploreExport, held at the Hilton Northampton Hotel, was one of the biggest export events to be held in the region this year, and the flagship event of Export Week, a week dedicated to encouraging and helping firms to export.
Businesses such as Spectrum Healthcare UK Ltd, based in Northampton, got a chance to have one-to-one meetings with international experts who offered help, advice, contacts and cultural knowledge on exporting to countries including Africa, South America, Turkey and the USA.
Paul Griffiths, chief executive of Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce said: “I firmly believe that exporting is the key to getting the UK out of recession. Here in Northamptonshire, we produce a wide range of products for which there is a demand at home and abroad, from food and drink, clothing and furniture, to car and electrical components.
“Our products can help put Northamptonshire on the map and boost our local economy at the same time, as businesses grow and create jobs.
“ExploreExport showed businesses in this region how they can export successfully by signposting them to means of support, giving them advice and sharing the cultural know-how and first-hand experiences of experts.”
Peter Hogarth, regional director for UK Trade & Investment East Midlands said: “It seemed rather apt to hold this prestigious event in Northamptonshire as it has recently scooped government awards for being the most enterprising county in the UK and for its work to encourage exports. “It’s not often a business gets the chance to meet so many international experts at one event, so it was a great opportunity for firms to build up a network of contacts and find out more about the sources of support available for exporting.”
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