Following the launch of the Department for International Trade’s Midlands Engine strategy, and a series of successful missions last year, six more market visits focused on increasing export opportunities have now been announced for 2017/18.
Each focuses on key target markets and sectors of strength from the region. Businesses that attended missions last year are already expecting to win orders in excess of £7.5 million as a result of the trips, and this keeps growing as further deals are done.
The market visits are structured around trade shows and exhibitions that will help Midlands businesses make the right connections to win orders. This will include one-to-one meetings as well as networking with potential partners and clients. Trade advisers will be on hand to support.
The next mission to leave the region, from 19-23 August 2017, will be to New York for NY Now, one of the world’s leading tradeshows for contemporary design and sophistication for home, lifestyle and gifts. The event attracts around 25,000 visitors from across the US and other international markets.
The TRAKO 12th International Railway Fair is running from the 26-29 September 2017 in Gdansk, Poland. TRAKO is the second largest rail show in Europe and brings together all elements of the rail industry from passenger rail, light rail, freight as well as infrastructure. There will be industry attendance and participation from across the board.
Anuga, Germany’s leading trade fair for food and beverages, brings together 160,000 visitors keen to discover the latest and most innovative products from more than 7000 exhibitors. This will be a must visit for the region’s food and drink companies and will take place 7-11 October 2017.
From 7-11 November 2017, the Midlands Engine will be visiting the China International Industry Fair (CIIF) in Shanghai, a hugely important event for the manufacturing sector. With £3.1bn exports from the Midlands to China this is a great opportunity to tap into a huge market for regional businesses. Businesses who attended the mission to China last year are already expecting to win nearly £1.2 million of orders.
David Williams, Chairman of UK-based law firm Geldards said of last year’s Midlands Engine mission to China: “The immediate outcomes of this trip exceeded my expectations. I established links with two law firms there and expect to be entering into a reciprocal arrangement with one.”
Moving into 2018, and following on from last year’s hugely successful visit, the region’s businesses are invited to join the delegation to Arab Health, the second largest healthcare exhibition in the world. The visit will be taking place from 29 January – 1 February in Dubai.
The final visit in the current programme will be to New Delhi for Auto Expo Components 2018. Taking place from 8 – 11 February, the expo is a display of automotive components, technology and services, organised by the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India.
Simon Hall, Director, Department for International Trade in the Midlands, said:
“The Midlands Engine missions are a great opportunity to win new business. The Midlands has world-leading capabilities, particularly in innovation and quality, and there are some amazing international opportunities available. Never before has it been so important to expand internationally, and the Department for International Trade has the expertise to help businesses of all sizes succeed in either starting or increasing as an exporter.”
To register your interest in any of the market visits for free and without obligation, please visit https://www.midlands-engine2017-18.eventbrite.co.uk or call 0345 222 0159.
Pre-mission support is available from International Trade Advisers based across the region. To get in touch with a local adviser email info@tradewm.co.uk for businesses based in the West Midlands or info@tradeem.co.uk for the East Midlands.