Quarterly Newsletter                                                                                        April 2007

President's Message

Dear Members

On travelling throughout the UK, it always amazes me  how inventive we still are and how many leading edge companies we still have in the United Kingdom.  Unfortunately we sometimes tend to be more reactive than proactive and allow other countries to surpass us.  Those looking at countries for engineering expertise would most probably look at Germany, France or the USA before considering the UK.  What we do need to do in this great country of ours, is to raise our profile so that, internationally, we are seen to be standing alongside those other well-recognised technical nations. 
 

Though manufacturing has suffered greatly during the last few years, I do feel strongly that we now have a sound and solid base from which to build specialist manufacturing in Great Britain.  Those who have survived the downturn can only look towards a better future.  Production costs, in China and India in particular, are rising as the GDP rises and of course eventually, it is anticipated that the Chinese currency tag to the US dollar will be removed meaning Chinese exports  will be less competitive. 
 
I have always said that exporting is fun and those of us in the international arena know that to be the case.  It's a real joy sometimes to go abroad and see some of your old friends, and their families, who you've have got to know well. Recently I have returned from Cyprus, where I met some friends who I have known for 20 odd years.  It was wonderful to be welcomed in their village as if I was Uncle Pete!
 
Enough of the frivolities though - those of you who read our newsletters regularly will know that MWTF is seen to be the 'leading export club' of its kind in the UK. So it's very pleasing for me to report that we are leading the way in forming a national forum, from which we can have a national voice to add to our strong regional voice from the West Midlands.  We have recently met with other interested parties, who are looking forward to working alongside us.  Of course we will keep you informed as this matter progresses.
 
It is always good to recognise the successes of West Midlands' exporters and our MWTF Exporter of the Year award, which is now in its fourth year, is all about this.  We are looking for businesses that can demonstrate success in their international trade activities over the last 12 months and inviting them to submit their nomination for the award.  The winner will be announced at the International Trade Dinner, together with our colleagues from Passport to Export, which takes place on May 18th at the ThinkTank at Millennium Point.  Don't delay in entering - the deadline date is 13 April and full details on how to enter can be found below.  
 

Peter M Mathews CMG
President
Midlands World Trade Forum
 

Coporate Social Responsibility and the SME

Deborah Leary, CEO of Forensic Pathways and MWTF board members highlights the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility. Deborah discusses how SME's can implement CSR into their business successfully.

If you are an SME and are interested in learning the value of CSR approach, then click here for full details.

As the U.S economy slows Americans continue spending....

As a nation, Americans historically spend despite stressful economic conditions and thinner wallets. As the economy slows down how much longer can the consumers continue to spend? During 2006, Americans spent everything they earned and more. The U.S savings rate is at the lowest level since the Great Depression. The U.S Commerce Department reports the savings rate in 2006 was a negative 1%.

Read more, to find out how Americans have always managed to adjust during an economic slowdown.

Wanted: Your views on our web site development

We want to make sure that you are getting the most out of the MWTF web site and so we're undertaking some work to upgrade the website and improve its 'user-friendliness'.

Your views and suggestions on areas where you think we could improve, or on features you would like to see included, would be most welcome. Just email your comments to g.poletti@mwtf.org.uk

MWTF Logo use

Some members have enquired if they can make use of the MWTF logo on promotional material. We are happy for the logo to be used appropriately and the attached brand guidelines explain our policy and show the various options available. Please let us know if you intend to make use of it.

Click here, for the MWTF branding guidelines and logo use.

New members this quarter

Click here to find out  who the 27 companies are, who have joined us this quarter.