Thames Gateway Business Awards

Martin Cook, UK Trade & Investment's International Trade Director for London, said: "As an organisation whose aim it is to develop the capacity of companies to trade successfully overseas and to penetrate new markets, we are proud to be sponsoring the International Business Award again this year - and we wish the nominees the best of luck.

"The UKTI London International Trade Team delivers specific help to businesses across London who are either exporting for the first time or targeting new territories. Our team of International Trade Advisers work on a one-to-one basis with companies, using their experience and expertise within a range of different markets and sectors. For London-based companies and organisations looking to develop their businesses internationally, the UKTI London International Trade Team is an essential first port of call for professional and impartial advice, support and assistance."

Services offered by UK Trade & Investment

Details of all services are available at:

UK Trade & Investment WEB SITE (www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk/ukti/london)

The UKTI website provides information about trading and investment all over the world.

However, if you want wider access to the opportunities and intelligence gathered by our worldwide network every day, you will need to register. It's simple, safe and costs nothing. Once you have registered and set up your profile, you will get privileged access to business opportunities from all over the world, personalised e-mail alerts, and

sector and country reports.

PASSPORT TO EXPORT (P2E) - offers a comprehensive toolkit of advice and support designed to help new and inexperienced exporters take their first steps into international trade. As an assessment and skills-based programme it provides training, planning and the ongoing support needed to compete more successfully in overseas markets.

OVERSEAS MARKET INTRODUCTION SERVICE (OMIS) - puts you directly in touch with d edicated staff based in British diplomatic posts worldwide, who will undertake research on your behalf, tailored to your requirements based on a specific brief that we develop with you. It also offers support during your visits overseas.

EXPORT MARKETING RESEARCH SCHEME (EMRS) - offers a valuable opportunity to conduct in-market research, helping you to gain knowledge, first-hand, of the individual requirements of a given market, what the competition is, the pricing and business culture, and so on.

EXHIBITIONS provide a valuable opportunity to meet contacts and customers face to face. Through the Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP) , UKTI provides support to eligible companies for a number of overseas exhibitions within a sector. If a company is an experienced exhibitor and has identified a show that we do not currently provide support for, we may still be able to assist them through the Solo support scheme.

TRADE MISSIONS Group visits to overseas markets can be an excellent way in which to visit a market and make important contacts, supported by assistance and advice from UKTI staff before, during and after the visit.

CASE STUDY

Horizon Global Electronics Ltd began life in East London, moved to Enfield and recently relocated in Harlow. An international leader in satellite technology, it produces hand-held test equipment designed and manufactured in the UK for the digital satellite and TV sector. With an established UK sales base and a small amount of trade with the USA, Horizon was keen to target new overseas markets, taking advantage of the explosion in digital TV.

The company signed up to UKTI's Passport to Export (P2E) scheme to be more proactive in seeking out new opportunities, and used market information provided by UKTI staff based in diplomatic posts to analyse the requirements in each market. Since enrolling on P2E, Horizon has seen phenomenal growth in its export sales. With success in Poland adding to a major deal in Germany, exports now account for up to 90 per cent of turnover, compared to a figure of less than 10 per cent two years ago, and the company's equipment is in use in around 60 countries worldwide.

Speaking about the foothold gained in Poland, Horizon sales director John McLoone said: "Working with the trade advisers in the embassy in Warsaw was a very rewarding experience. The advice and assistance they provided was invaluable, and went a long way to making the deal possible. Now that we have a base in the market, we are looking to expand into other Eastern European countries, where digital television is really starting to take off."

Horizon Global Electronics was one of the winners of the Queen's Award for Enterprise 2007, in the International Trade category, and was nominated for one of UKTI London's Passport to Export Awards 2007.

For more information contact Ron Cartland on 0207 234 3056; or visit our website www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk/ukti/london

 

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