Event kicks off two day global trade fair

Briefing kicks off global trade fair Businesses are being invited to find out how the Chancellor’s Autumn statement could affect their business ahead of a major event to learn how they…
Briefing kicks off global trade fair
Businesses are being invited to find out how the Chancellor’s Autumn statement could affect their business ahead of a major event to learn how they can link to economic powerhouses across the globe.
A breakfast briefing on The Implications of the Autumn Statement will be held at the Telford Conference Centre at the University of Wolverhampton Telford Campus from 7.30am to 9am on Thursday (December 4).
The Invest in Telford event will be opened by Marches LEP Board Member and Chair of the Telford Business Board, Paul Hinkins, and lead into a two-day Global Trade Fair where businesses can explore worldwide investment opportunities via video conferences with key export destinations.
It has been organised by Telford & Wrekin Council , in conjunction with West Midlands Economic Forum and UK Trade and Investment. It is supported by the Marches LEP, which has two board members speaking at the event – Mr Hinkins and Prof Ian Oakes, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton.
Mr Hinkins said: “We’re taking Telford around the world in two days – offering businesses based both in the borough and the wider area a chance to investigate opportunities in key commercial centres overseas. It is also a great chance to showcase Telford as a fantastic place to invest in.
“The Global Trade Fair is an ideal event for businesses that are new to exporting and looking to find out more information on markets and opportunities and for established exporters who are interested in new markets.
“But before that, we’re hoping as many businesses as possible will join us for the breakfast event on Thursday to hear about the implications of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement announced the day before.”
Larry Elliott, Business Editor of The Guardian, will give the keynote speech at the briefing. There will also be a panel discussion and question and answer session with guests Paul Forrest, Director of the West Midlands Economic Forum; Martyn Mangan, Director of Elkro Ltd; Marches LEP board member Professor Ian Oakes, and Tim Luft, Director of European Innovation Ltd.
The global trade fair, which begins at 9.30am, will involve one-hour video conferences with nine overseas embassies. Local experts will outline current and upcoming opportunities for UK firms and businesses will also be able to question the marketplace experts.
Embassies taking part include Abu Dhabi & Dubai for the United Arab Emirates; Istanbul for Turkey; Munich on behalf of Germany; and Chicago for North America on Thursday.
On Friday, the day will start with Tokyo for Japan at 8am followed by Mumbai for India and then focuses on emerging Europe and northern Europe, finishing with a representative from Sao Paulo in Brazil.
The event can be attended in person or watched live at www.globaltradefair.co.uk where comments and questions can be submitted via Twitter @gtfmidlands or by email info@globaltradefair.co.uk
Those attending in person will also have access to support agencies who can help them in working toward exporting to new markets.
The breakfast briefing is free to attend but delegates must register in advance with jennie.trehearne@telford.gov.uk.
To register for the Global Trade Fair visit www.globaltradefair.co.uk or contact Spencer Terry on 07703 735 408 or info@globaltradefair.co.uk.