Companies invited to join US trade missions

August 22, 2016

Food and drink sector companies are being invited to join a trade mission to the US as part of a Midlands Engine initiative which aims to boost economic growth across the Midlands.

This is a unique opportunity for Marches companies to take part in the inaugural Midlands Engine trade and investment mission, led by the Secretary of State for the Department of Business, Innovation & Skills.

For the first time, companies from across both East and West Midlands will be involved in a mission that will raise the profile of the region overseas and its strong manufacturing industry across three sectors. As well as the food and drink mission to Chicago, companies from the advanced manufacturing and automotive industries will be visiting the US.

The visits to Chicago,  Toronto and Detroit, will offer great opportunities for companies to gain insights into two of the UK’s  most important trading partners.

Travelling out as part of a Government organised trade contingent will attract greater publicity than a solo visit and help open doors. For companies that are serious about doing business in North America, there is simply no substitute for a personal visit. There will be press coverage and networking events – you will benefit from the support of Trade Advisers before and throughout your visit to ensure that the trip is a success and that you have a clear understanding of the next steps you need to take.

Businesses interested in taking part in the missions in September can download the Market Visit to Chicago – Food & Drink mission information below or click here for more on the advanced manufacturing and automotive visits.

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The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership has now ceased trading and transferred all its functions to Shropshire Council working with Telford & Wrekin Council and Herefordshire Council, in line with the UK Government's plans for devolution.

The Marches LEP was established in 2011 and hands over an impressive legacy from its 13-year life. In that time the LEP invested over £196m in projects across the Marches, securing in excess of £100m of match funding and supported more than 66,000 business interactions.

The schemes supported have made tangible differences to local communities, increasing skills, creating jobs and improving the physical appearance of many towns.

We would like to thank all the LEP Board Members who have given their time freely over the life of the LEP, as well as all the staff who worked for the LEP over the years. We also want to thank our delivery partners, local education providers and local, regional and national stakeholders who helped us achieve so much.

The Marches Growth Hub will continue to support businesses and will be managed by Shropshire Council, supported by Telford and Wrekin and Herefordshire Councils. Each of the three Local Authorities will also continue to provide direct business support locally. Details of this support will be available through the Marches Growth Hub website and from the Local Authorities directly. Website: www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk | email: enquiries@marchesgrowthhub.co.uk.

The Marches Careers Hub will continue to be delivered and will be managed by Shropshire Council, supported by Telford & Wrekin and Herefordshire Councils. Website: www.marchescareershub.co.uk | email: info@marchescareershub.co.uk

For any queries about Getting Building Fund (GBF), Local Growth Fund (LGF) and Marches Investment Fund (MIF) projects supported by the Marches LEP please contact: gary.spence@shropshire.gov.uk

For any finance queries please contact: michelle.hodgkiss@shropshire.gov.uk

The solvent liquidation of the Marches LEP is being managed by the Evelyn Partners Limited. For any matter related to this please contact: Camilla.Mulholland@evelyn.com

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