Message From The Chair
In search of ‘green shoots’
Over the past months I have spoken to many companies within the region and nationally with regards to potential signs of recovery. For a significant number the response has been that it has been a stressful period, but opportunities are out there, and indeed for some the opportunities are many. It is difficult to judge whether this is because there is a definite increase in opportunity or that we have a greater focus and not as comfortable as we once were, so we are getting out and seeking these opportunities. Whatever the reason it is encouraging.So taking the stance that opportunities have increased (though I appreciate that this isn’t across the board), this also brings an extra challenge. A recent Economic Commentary from one of the main banks raised a key point, which unless significantly addressed will prove a stumbling block for business and therefore for economic recovery overall. It highlights that where companies start to show signs of recovery with order books filling up, they may struggle to obtain working capital for raw materials and to bridge the gap between order and income.
There would appear to be a plethora of funding streams and initiatives supposedly available to companies. The publication by the Government of ‘Building Britain’s Future’ seeks to outline objectives for 2009/10, including £74 million in equity for SMEs through Capital for Enterprise Fund and the recent launch of a £1billion Innovation Fund for technology based companies.
However, with all funding initiatives, key questions need to be asked and responded to:
• are they striking the balance between established business and start ups?
• how easy are they to access?
• how quickly can they be accessed?
• is it venture capital by another name?
• and in the light of transparency how is the fund success rate measured?The issue of Capital funding is critical for economic recovery and commonsense is required to ensure that the funding is not only readily available but that it is targeted at proven business.
Investing in growing small businesses, start-ups and spin-outs is important for future growth. However it is essential to recognise that established businesses are in real need now and with proven track records should be viewed as sound investments rather than tired ones. These businesses are innovative, resourceful and knowledgeable. They have earned their stripes.
I would like to believe that support will be made available to those businesses in order that we don’t find ourselves in a scenario where businesses fail to fulfil hard won orders, resulting in a secondary recessionary wave.
Green shoots may be appearing but there is still much we need to challenge.
Deborah Leary OBE
MWTF Chair
Companies involved in the automotive supply chain, and particularly those focusing on low-carbon technologies, should take note of the opportunities on offer at Auto Expo in Delhi next January.
Birmingham Chamber of Commerce in association with AWM and UKTI is organising a trade mission, which will form part of the national UK industry trade mission organised by the Society of Manufacturers and Traders.
AutoExpo 2010 is the key event for the Indian automotive industry and is the largest show inAsia with over 900 participants and 100,000 business visitors. It is the focal point for the industry and will attract all the main players.
Click Here for more information on the assistance available to attend a key exhibition for suppliers in the automotive sector
Government backing for SME's through
“Gateway to Global Growth“
Gateway to Global Growth is a new programme from UKTI to assist the international trade activities of SME’s. This free service, targeted at companies with between 2 – 10 years export experience, is intended to help companies develop a strategic action plan for export growth.
International Trade Advisers will work with companies to conduct an International Business Review and then develop a Strategic Action Plan to grow a company’s business overseas.
The objective is to offer a single route to a wide range of guidance and support from UKTI and others in order to help companies achieve a new level of international success.For more about UKTI's latest initiative Click Here
The Innovation Centre offers its services to more than just the jewellery sector. Is there anything they can assist you with?
The JIIC works with companies from a range of industries, providing them with the opportunity to assess and research new technologies. It offers a one stop option for companies, ranging from SME to micro businesses in the high value added - small products, giftware, automotive, ceramic, engineering, and white goods industries
Read more by Clicking Here
If you would like to read the full report please Click Here
You certainly didn’t hold back when we asked for your views back in May. Your comments helped us to put together a report, which we are pleased to say has even penetrated the portals of No. 10 and is sitting on Gordon Brown’s desk as we speak.
The issuing of our report coincided with the second session of the cross party Select Committee on ‘Exporting out of Recession’ and we circulated our findings to all the members of that committee. I heard from the Committee Chairman, Peter Luff (Con) MP for Mid Worcestershire just recently acknowledging how useful the material will be.
Member Profile
Bri-Mac Engineering
“You'll never sell to the Germans“
“Export“, they said. “It's the only way.“ But we didn't have the first clue what to do.
That was mid 2001 - and my company was struggling to win new business in the UK. Specialising in the design and manufacture of quality bearing housings, our traditional UK market was shrinking fast with the demise of heavy engineering.
We had plenty to offer - a good product and an energetic workforce - but also an ever decreasing customer base. Where could we go for advice and support?
Read the full story of Bri-Mac`s journey into exporting by clicking this link
New Members
The MWTF membership now stands at 790 and we are pleased to welcome another 7 companies into the forum during the last quarter. A mixture of experienced and novice exporters, who will broaden their horizons within the region and make International Trade work for us all!
Click Here to see Who`s Who ...
Thank you for taking the time to read this edition - I hope you like the new style we`ve adopted.
If you have any comments or contributions please let me know
Glenis Poletti
In This Issue
Quick Links
Trade Mission
Auto Expo Delhi
'G3' - UKTI's latest initiative
Jewellery Industry
Innovation Centre
Export Credit Insurance
Member Profile:
Bri-Mac Engineering
New Members
Events
&
Market Visits
Two of the events taking place in September are featured below.
For a full list of regional activities click here
Meet the Buyer
Belgian
Interior & Lifestyle
Sector
23rd September 2009
9am - 5pm
AWM - Birmingham
More Info ...
Mexico & Brazil
Export Focus
23rd September 2009
11am - 2.30pm
Lilleshall
Newport
More Info ...
MWTF Poll
Your Opinions Count!
We are conducting a survey on-line to find out if members are seeing any green shoots. The poll will take a few minutes to complete and the results will ensure that we continue to represent your views
Please click here to participate
Supported by
West Midlands Chambers
of
CommerceMidlands World
Trade Forum
75 Harborne Road Birmingham
B15 3DH
T: 0121 607 1759
F: 0121 607 0130
www.mwtf.org.uk
g.poletti@mwtf.org.uk
© 2009 Midlands World Trade Forum - All Rights Reserved
This e-mail was sent to: info@mwtf.org.uk.
You are receiving this e-mail because you have previously expressed interest in finding out more about international trade or you have attended one of our seminars. If you wish to unsubscribe from these mailings please click the unsubscribe link below.
If you received this message in error or wish to be removed from this mailing list please click on or copy the unsubscribe link below.SureStopTM Unsubscribe
