Christopher Pincher Hosts New Markets, New Horizons Event

Sunday, November 25th, 2012

Increasing exports will expand your business and boost jobs and growth in Staffordshire, that was the message to over 30 company representatives at a county event hosted be Tamworth MP, Christopher Pincher, and Conservative controlled Staffordshire County Council on Friday.

The New Markets, New Horizons event was held on Friday, 23 November, by Staffordshire County Council, UK Trade & Investment and Tamworth MP Christopher Pincher at the Drayton Manor Hotel.  Its main aim was to give businesses, which have no or limited previous experience in exporting an insight into overcoming barriers.

Tamworth MP Christopher Pincher said, “We want to help Staffordshire businesses to increase exports so they can achieve their full potential in challenging times.  This event will help to identify how you can do more and overcome barriers to export.

“Our export trade is a vital engine of growth as we emerge from the recession and important to our balance of payments.  We need to give local firms the tools to sell more abroad so they can build their businesses and take on more workers.”

Speaking at the event, Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for employment Ben Adams said, “Over the last two years we have worked hard to get Staffordshire to the top of the pile as a nationally recognised place to do business.  Large organisations are crucial to our success but the supply chain and small and medium-sized businesses have a considerable impact on our economy.

“The key reason to export is to chase more customers, if you export more your business is more likely to be sustainable.  If you can grow your business then you will be successful and that means success for Staffordshire.

“For us employment is vital.  We want more and more people to independently manage their futures and we have invested in infrastructure and business support, through our business loans, enterprise centres, advice line and links with other organisations.  I’m sure all the businesses can take something positive from today’s event and bring real benefits to their company.”

The event targeted key areas of businesses interest on exporting and provided opportunities to network, debate and seek expert guidance.  It also provided information on new initiatives aimed at encouraging businesses to start exporting.

Anyone wanting to find out more about future events should visit www.staffordshire.gov.uk/exporting or email: business@staffordshire.gov.uk.