Firms encouraged to export
James Averdeick, founder of dessert maker Gü is encouraging London firms to attend a UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) series of ‘Explore your Export Potential’ workshops, which aim to boost profits for companies that don’t yet export.
James, who spoke at the first workshop, founded Gü in 2003 and ran the company for seven years before selling it in 2010. He exported his desserts to 10 countries across the world, including France, Germany and Australia and received support from UKTI throughout.
James said: “Britain has thousands of small companies with great export potential. Just making the initial effort to reach out, get on a plane and explore the opportunities that are out there can lead to a fantastic stream of profitable new business.
“This is what I did and it has paid dividends ever since. After Gü started exporting, it enjoyed huge levels of growth and has created exceptional career opportunities for many people.
“Along the way we have used a range of UKTI services, the Tradeshow Access Programme and Gateway to Global Growth- both of which helped the company get a strong footing in new markets.
“I am keen to make other companies aware of the opportunities that are out there. Without exports, Gü would not have grown as it has.
“This is why I am encouraging firms to attend this workshop on 10 April in collaboration with the Federation of Small Business (FSB), which is also part of UKTI’s Export Week. I want firms to know that if they have the belief, the preparation and perseverance to succeed, as well as a quality product, then they can make it in markets all over the world.”
Export Week, taking place from Monday 7 April, will provide London companies with opportunities like this to develop their export strategy. Seminars and workshops will take place throughout the week across the capital, providing insight and experience for companies at all stages of their export journey.
Attendees of all the session will also be given the opportunity to attend three seminars on a wide range of exporting issues- including how to develop their international appeal; how to conduct market research on a budget; identifying the right market and how to approach pricing and costing in overseas markets with confidence.