WIREDGOV

Exporting is GREAT attends the Invest NI ‘Explore Export 2017’ tradeshow today.

To help businesses in Northern Ireland take advantage of global export opportunities now and post-Brexit, the Department for International Trade (DIT) is showcasing UK government exporting support available at Explore Export 2017 (on Wednesday 14 June).

Over 150 businesses have registered to attend the event from a range of high-performing sectors including food and drink, manufacturing, education, technology and professional services. The event aims to inspire first time and early exporters to consider selling their goods and services outside Northern Ireland or to grow existing exports by entering new markets.

Last year DIT – including the UK’s overseas embassies – helped or provided advice to more than 600 companies in Northern Ireland, developing global business through overseas and UK based events, webinars and website business opportunities.

International Trade Secretary, Liam Fox, said:

We know there is a wealth of export opportunities out there and as an international economic department we are determined to help Northern Ireland businesses seize these and make their mark on the global market.

As we look to build a truly global United Kingdom, we will continue to drive exports and promote the strengths of Northern Ireland, attracting inward investment and creating jobs and security across the region.

Taking place at the iconic Titanic Belfast building – a site that recognises Northern Ireland’s proud maritime history – DIT will be showcasing the government’s digital service, great.gov.uk.

With real-time export opportunities great.gov.uk will enable businesses to immediately identify new markets and get invaluable country-specific market insight. They can also create a profile for a searchable directory to promote their products and expertise to overseas companies.

UK Export Finance (UKEF), the UK’s export credit agency and a part of DIT, has helped exporters in Northern Ireland access over £1 million in finance and insurance in 2016/17, supporting over £3 million in export contracts for companies in the region.

With partnerships with Bank of Ireland, Ulster Bank and Danske Bank Northern Ireland, UKEF helps exporters in the region access the finance they need to win, fulfil and get paid for export contracts.

Case study

Company: Elite Electronic Systems

Location: Enniskillen

Sector: Technology - Elite is an electronics components manufacturer.

UK government support

The Department for International Trade worked with Elite Electronic Systems and helped to organise their attendance at 2 events organised by the DIT team in Geneva at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) – responsible for the Large Hadron Collider.

These meetings and support helped Elite Electronic Systems to win contracts at CERN which the company projects will result in £1.4million in sales over the next 5 years to provide electronics. As a result, the company has been able to expand into an existing market, nurture critical relationships and improve their understanding of the market (Switzerland).