Export Finance Doubled
UK Balance of Trade Widens Despite Currency Fall
UK Food Exports Grow Strongly
Amazon UK Export Sales Pass £1.8 Bn
ICC Issue Four Point Trade Plan
MPs Call for Saudi Arms Export Suspension
Members’ Dinner serves up top class networking,
entertainment and culinary feast
Lick Frozen Yogurt scoops £7k national prize in Open
to Export competition
IOE launches three new Doing Business Guides
Upcoming International Trade Events
New Year, New You
Fantastic showcase of international opportunities at
Going Global
AGM Report
Have you considered the benefits of In House and
Bespoke Training?
Foreword
Equipping our members with
learning, information and
knowledge is always a high priority
for the Institute of Export &
International Trade.
This year our remit has taken on an
even greater importance in a time
of great change and uncertainty
when we have been delighted to
deliver a series of events and
programmes which include our first
ever World Trade Summits, which
took place in London and the West
Country – along with a series of
post-Brexit workshops to help
businesses working in international
trade to plan their next steps.
As we look forward to 2017 with an
even bigger programme of events,
each diary date will see our team of
export specialists continue to
provide vital support to assist
businesses of all sizes. The events
will also offer a wealth of
networking opportunities, enabling
members and other international
trade professionals to meet and
conduct business together.
New to the calendar will be:
APMG Parliamentary Debate,
House of Commons.
Attendees will work with Policy
Connect, which runs the secretariat
for the All Party Manufacturing
Group to develop a white paper
process to inform and disseminate
intelligence and thought leadership.
Regional Trade Summits, March to
October.
An expanded series of regional
trade summits will bring together
some of the most knowledgeable
and influential speakers on the key
issues that impact on international
trade, looking at the many
opportunities and some of the
challenges we face in this brave
new world. The one-day summits
are planned for the South West,
South East, Coventry, Cambridge,
Manchester, North East, Glasgow
and Belfast.
To find out more call us on +44
(0)1733 404400 or email
[email protected]
House of Lords Spring Reception
and Networking.
Hosted by IOE Vice President, Lord
Empey OBE, this highly valuable
networking day is open to all
Institute members and is a
marvellous opportunity to meet and
learn from their peers and meet
companies from a host of other
disciplines.
There are a number of additional
exciting developments due in 2017.
As ever, we will be hosting our
much loved calendar milestones.
Once again, we will be honoured to
celebrate the winners of the
Queen’s Award for Enterprise
International Trade category at the
Queen’s Awards Gala Dinner, 27th
September, Royal Horseguards
Hotel, London.
The Members’ Dinner, will be held
on 8th November at One Great
George Street, and is a chance for
members to celebrate the year’s
hard work, professionalism and
achievements and highlight the
success of the Institute. It will be an
unmissable opportunity to network
with fellow international trade
professionals.
As a charitable organisation,
sponsorship not only plays a key
role in our events programme, but
also reflects your commitment to
being part of the future growth and
professionalism of UK PLC.
Each event is an opportunity to
align your brand with the UK’s only
professional membership body
representing and supporting the
interests of everyone involved in
international trade.
Our team can work with you to
create a tailored package that
meets your key business objectives
and delivers valuable return on
investment.
The Institute is in the process of
applying for a Royal Charter. This
will make us the sole UK
representative and custodian of the
standards of professionalism in
International Trade.
Watch out for our new cutting-edge
website, due to go live in January,
which will offer a host of member
benefits. Working with specialist
software provider,
YourMembership, we will provide a
fully integrated system for creating
stronger member engagement and
managing events and
communications.
We are immensely excited by all we
have planned for the New Year and
hope that our members will be too.
As ever, we hope to see as many of
you as possible during 2017 at our
nationwide events and look forward
to hearing your feedback on all
vibrant new developments.
By the way, you may have noticed
our new name and logo. One of the
key resolutions passed at the AGM
on 9th November was the change of
name to The Institute of Export &
International Trade and we are
proud to launch our new logo
through this month’s newsletter.
The change of name is a strategic
move to align the Institute to the
newly formed Department of
International Trade whilst
recognising the global landscape of
International Trade as we proceed
with our application for a Royal
Charter. A full report from the AGM
can be found within this newsletter.
Editorial
Export Finance Doubled
The UK government is doubling
financial support for exporters,
quadrupling the number of preapproved currencies and pumping
the Department of International
Trade (DIT) with £79.4mn, in a bid
to support trade as it exits from the
European Union.
The new measures, which were
announced in the UK chancellor’s
autumn statement, will see the UK
Export Finance’s (UKEF) total risk
appetite double to £5bn and the
maximum cover limit for individual
markets
increase
by up to
100%.
In a
further move, the statement
announced that the number of preapproved local currencies in which
UKEF can offer support, would
increase from 10 to 40, enabling
more overseas buyers of UK exports
to pay in their own currency.
UK Balance of Trade
Widens Despite
Currency Fall
International trade figures for
September disappointed the
markets, showing an unexpected
widening in the balance of trade
deficit. Observers had expected to
see a growth in exports following
the fall in Sterling against leading
currencies after the EU membership
referendum.
Exports in September fell by £200
million to £26.1 bn, while imports
rose by £1.3 bn to £28.8 bn.
Reports from the Bank of England
showed that increased import costs
were beginning to affect business
spending and profits, as the
markets resist attempts to pass on
higher prices to consumers.
UK Food Exports Grow
Strongly
A new report
from the
food industry
has shown
strong
growth in food exports during 2016,
particularly to non EU countries.
Total food exports from the UK rose
by more than 10% in the first nine
months of 2016, compared to the
same period in 2015. The total
value of exports was £10.1 Bn.
Exports to non EU countries grew
by 19.2% in the third quarter,
although EU countries remain the
major overseas market, accounting
for more than two thirds of all sales.
Food and Drink Federation Director
General Ian Wright described the
growth as “Very encouraging.”
Amazon UK Export Sales
Pass £1.8 Bn
Amazon has announced a 29%
growth in export sales by UK
companies on Amazon
Marketplace.
They reported that
combined sales are
expected to reach
£1.8 Bn by the year
end, with more than
60% of UK firms selling on the
website reaching overseas
customers.
"The Marketplace is an opportunity
to export all around the world,”
commented Amazon UK country
manager, Doug Gurr, adding that
China in particular has significant
potential for British brands looking
to expand their horizons.
ICC Issue Four Point
Trade Plan
The International
Chambers of
Commerce have
issued a four point
plan to invigorate
global trade. The announcement
came after the G20 summit in
September, with a warning that in
the view of the ICC, the G20 did not
have a good track record in turning
words into action. The four points
called for in the ICC plan are:
1. All remaining countries to ratify
the WTO’s Trade Facilitation
Agreement
2. Tackling protectionism to be the
first priority for G20 countries, who
should lead by example
3. G20 countries should take the
lead in pressing for a new ecommerce agreement
4. There should be more
communication of the benefits of
open trade
MP’s Call for Saudi Arms
Export Suspension
The Parliamentary Committee on
Arms Export Controls has called for
arms exports to Saudi Arabia to be
suspended while actions in Yemen
are investigated. The government
has so far resisted any such ban,
stating that it operated one of the
strictest arms licensing regimes in
the world, and that it had received
assurances from the Saudi
authorities
that
operations
complied
with
international law.
International Trade Events
Our roundup of what’s on in the coming months.
APMG Parliamentary Debate – 20 February 2017, House of Commons, London
Graduation & Prizegiving Ceremony – 24 May, Mansion House, London
The Queen’s Awards Winners Annual Dinner – 27 September, Royal Horseguard Hotel, London
Members’ Dinner 2017 – 8 November, One Great George Street, London
Forthcoming Training Courses
No matter what level you are at, our courses will give you the skills and expertise you need to gain a competitive
advantage in the challenging and complex world of international trade.
12/01/2017 International Documentation and Customs Compliance – London
01/02/2017 An Introduction to Exporting – Physical Goods – Birmingham
21/02/2017 Post Brexit Planning Workshop – London
23/02/2017 Effective Incoterms® - London
28/02/2017 International Documentation & Customs Compliance - Birmingham
22/03/2017 An Introduction to Importing – London
30/03/2017 UK & US Export Controls: A Basic Understanding - London
30/03/2017 Letters of Credit – London
04/04/2017 An Introduction to Exporting – Physical Goods – Birmingham
06/04/2017 Post Brexit Planning Workshop – Manchester
12/04/2017 International Documentation & Customs Compliance - Birmingham
13/04/2017 International Business Essentials – London
New Year, New You…
Register now for our January 2017 intake
The countdown is underway for international trade professionals and their employers to sign up for the next intake
on the Institute of Export's Foundation Degree and Bachelor's Degree courses starting in 2017.
The career-boosting qualifications equip students with the professional and academic skills to succeed in
international business and the flexible learning structure of the courses means they are designed to fit around fulltime employment.
Foundation Degree - Professional Practice in International Trade
An innovative course developed in collaboration with Anglia Ruskin University, the Foundation Degree is a two-year
course aimed at those looking to develop their career and pursue further academic qualifications.
The course is taught online by University tutors and international trade experts, with full access to University
resources. The degree is assessed through work-based assignments.
Suitable for all professionals, regardless of industry or sector, who may be working in export, import, trade or
international business. It is intended to bridge the gap between the Institute's NVQ qualification range and degree
courses.
Register now for January 2017 enrolment
BSc (Hons) Management Practice - International Trade
Boost your existing foundation degree, higher national diploma (HND) or your existing professional experience with
this part-time, two year online work-based course with Plymouth University.
The programme has been designed to help you develop the knowledge and skills to work effectively as a competent
and confident professional in today's ever changing workplace.
A perfect choice for all professionals who wish to use the acquired knowledge and skills immediately in their current
role or wish to pursue their career further.
Register now for January 2017 enrolment
Need more details? Please call +44 (0)1733 404 400 or email [email protected]
IOE News
Members’ Dinner
serves up top class
networking,
entertainment and
culinary feast
IOE Director General, Lesley
Batchelor OBE, said: “Our
Members’ Dinner is an
opportunity to honour our
corporate, business and individual
members, along with friends and
colleagues, in stunning
surroundings.
A packed audience enjoyed a
wealth of networking
opportunities and first class
entertainment from engaging
guest speaker, the Reverend
Richard Coles, at our annual
Members’ Dinner.
“As well as relaxing and enjoying
themselves, our guests were able
to discuss alliances and reflect on
what has been a hugely significant
year for the international export
community. Special thanks go to
our sponsors and supporters
including Michael Alexander and
the team at Grant Thornton and
also to Russell Grazier and the
team at Barclays.”
The vibrant event to celebrate
professionalism in international
trade was attended by IOE
members and fellow exporters
spanning wide-ranging sectors
along with key individuals and
organisations that guide and
support them.
Our sponsors Strong & Herd, IMA
and Barclays were instrumental in
making the dinner at The Royal
Horseguards Hotel in London a
glittering occasion and a great
success.
Helping attendees kick back and
enjoy themselves was the eclectic
Reverend Richard Coles. Now both
a respectable vicar and wellknown Radio 4 presenter, he
enthralled his audience with tales
of his colourful, varied past.
This includes stints as
instrumentalist with both Bronski
Beat and The Communards,
whose massive 1986 hit, ‘Don’t
Leave Me This Way’, gives him the
distinction of being the only vicar
to have a UK number one record.
Lick Frozen Yogurt
scoops £7k national
prize in Open to Export
competition
Brighton-based Lick Frozen Yogurt
– whose customers include
Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Tesco –
is savouring success after clinching
the top prize in a national export
competition.
The business, whose dynamic
export vision is making inroads
into markets in the Gulf and South
East Asia, wowed the judges with
their plans for international
business growth at Open to
Export’s Action Plan Showcase
Competition Final at the Going
Global exhibition at London’s
Olympia.
Lick Frozen Yogurt was among
nine shortlisted companies who
produced Export Action Plans
through Open to Export’s
innovative digital business
planning tool. The business
received prizes including 3k cash
and a £4k website redesign
courtesy of Yell.
Fellow finalists were:
• Asperato Payment
• Blossoms Syrup
• Premier Plant Hire
• Flora Harrison
• The Ingenious Air Company
• Lancaster Brewery
• Pasta Foods
• Polkadoodles
The judging panel comprised Ann
Attridge, Director of Klik2Learn
and previous competition winner,
Lesley Batchelor OBE, Director
General of the Institute of Export,
Peter Hughes, Head of
Procurement Support Services at
Heathrow, Phil Tobin, Managing
Director of Bibby Financial
Services, and Julian Hucker,
entrepreneur and Chairman of
Open to Export.
Alexandra Hargreaves, Head of
Export at Lick Frozen Yogurt, said:
“We’re absolutely thrilled. The
export action plan has already
helped us tremendously and
winning the competition will
definitely accelerate our export
plans.
“It was fantastic to meet – and
learn from – fellow finalists and
we highly recommend the Export
Action Plan to help SMEs take that
somewhat intimidating first step
towards expanding their
businesses internationally. We
can’t thank Lesley and the team at
Open to Export enough.”
As a founding partner of Open to
Export, the IOE has played an
instrumental role in supporting
Open to Export’s digital Export
Action Plan.
Commented Lesley Batchelor:
“We were impressed, inspired and
energized by the diversity, talent
and global aspirations of all those
shortlisted and congratulate Lick
Frozen Yogurt and all the worthy
finalists who gained knowledge
and confidence from using Open
to Export’s innovative digital
business planning tool.”
Open to Export is the government
funded digital platform to boost
the UK’s SME exports. The Export
Action Plan tool enables
businesses to take ownership of
their international trade strategy
and make decisions along each
step of their exporting journey –
from selecting a market to
delivering products or services to
new customers.
The Export Action Plan provides
support in the form of prompts,
useful resources and video and
once complete, produces a report
summarising answers and actions
in an easy to read and shareable
format which is perfect for sharing
with international trade advisers
or banks to better inform export
planning conversations.
Bibby Financial Services, Heathrow
Airport and Yell sponsored the
competition and all finalists
received translation services from
SDL Managed Translation and a
year’s free membership of the
Institute of Export.
Exporters seek to
harness the wealth of
trading opportunities
with Russia at our
workshop
For those who like superlatives,
the Institute of Export &
International Trade's event on
Russia, conducted in conjunction
with corporate member Albion
(Overseas) Ltd, must have been a
delight!
103 million internet users just a
three and a half hour flight away.
The world's biggest country loves
to buy British and before the
recession, Russia was the uk's
fastest growing export market.
Albion plans to put it right back up
there. And the signs are looking
good.
A large turnout of exporters at the
‘Making Russia Easy’ workshop,
held on 8th December in
Peterborough, ensured a vibrant
and positive discussion. Practical
tips were in abundance: working
with distributors, obtaining
certification, cutting costs and
creating Russia specific pricing - it
was all covered.
It seems the media and the
politicians may be focussing on
the problems. The business
community is right in there,
working on solutions.
The event was such a success that
another one has already been put
in the diary. To take place on 23rd
March 2017 in Peterborough.
For more details or to book a
place on the workshop, which is
free of charge for members and
£30+VAT for non-members,
visit
http://www.export.org.uk/latestnews/international-tradeevents/event/555-making-russiaeasy-23-march-2017peterborough or call
+44 (0) 1733 404 400.
IOE launches three
new Doing Business
Guides
We are proud to announce that
three new free Doing Business
Guides are now available.
‘Doing Business in Romania’,
‘Doing Business in Spain’ and
‘Doing Business in Thailand’ were
all launched at Going Global in
November.
The main objective of the Doing
Business Guides is to provide you
with basic knowledge about the
country that will help you to begin
exporting your goods and services.
Novice exporters in particular will
find them a useful starting point
and we signpost to other sources
of help and information as much
as possible.
Doing Business in Romania
provides a comprehensive
overview of the seventh most
populous EU state, where more
than 5,000 UK companies already
operate. In 2015, the UK exported
€2.4 billion in goods to the
country – whose economy grew
by around 3.8% that year. Growth
is among the highest in the EU,
with a rate of 4.2% forecast for
2016 due to significant fiscal
stimulus, including tax cuts and
increases to minimum and public
wages. Australia’s economy has
famously avoided recession for
the last 25 years, navigating the
global financial crisis more
successfully than most. While
economic conditions are now
more challenging, strong cultural
and institutional ties mean
Australia remains an excellent
place for British companies to do
business.
Doing Business in Thailand is vital
reading for those who want to
develop long-term partnerships in
this opportunity-rich territory,
which is the world’s 32nd largest
economy and where there are
many benefits to UK exporting
businesses. These include a
growing affluent middle class,
well-developed infrastructure and
pro-investment policies. Thailand
is ranked in the top 20% of the
World Bank’s ‘Ease of Doing
Business Survey.’
Doing Business in Spain gives
exporters an insight into one of
our most important markets and
business partners. The UK is the
fifth largest investor in the country
and, with yearly bilateral trade of
goods and services exceeding £40
billion; Spain is our eighth largest
export market. Significantly, it is
the second most important
investor in Latin America and
collaboration with Spanish
companies can help UK business
open up new markets there.
The guides are available to
download on the website
www.doingbusinessguide.co.uk/th
e-guides/ or you can download an
app (from both the Apple App
Store and Google Play Store).
AGM Report
The AGM this year was held at Gresham College in London, indeed it was very fitting as this college was the first
university in the City of London. Our Vice President, Lord Empey, presided over the meeting as the Institute says a
sad farewell to Jim Davis CBE, CCOD, K (Dk), Hon, FIEx, a grandee of the city and
shipping world, an all round good man, who has been our President for two terms
spanning over 25 years. His contribution and inevitable style of humour will be
sadly missed.
The meeting proceeded well and, in brief, the great news is that former Trade
Minster Lord Green of Hurstpierpoint, was appointed as our new President for the
next 3 years. He brings a wealth of experience and connections from both
government and the City. We look forward to working with him and helping as he
builds his Presidents committee. Appointed at the meeting as part of that
committee were Vice presidents Lord Empey OBE, Nick Baird CMG CVO, Rami
Ranger CBE, William King, Nicholas Niggli (ex WTO and Swiss Embassy) and
our first Young President, Arne Mielken.
Jim Davis CBE, CCOD, K (Dk), Hon, FIEx
On points of order, the accounts were received and accepted; special resolutions revised Articles of Association
(simplified format and language) were adopted; and the addition of ‘& International Trade’ to the Institute’s names
reflects the importance given to the industry by the establishment of the Department for International Trade was
agreed.
The Director General reported on ‘working to reach more exporters’ with proposals for a 3 year plan for 2017 -2020:
•
Thinking about new ways in which to be useful to members
•
Adding value to the education process
•
Adding value to the businesses trading internationally
•
Adding weight behind membership with the Royal Charter
•
Working towards apprenticeships with the help of Rami Ranger and Nicola Bolton
These are the 8 core reasons given as to why the Institute should be granted a Royal Charter:
1. Official recognition of the Institute of Export and International trade and its work in educating and
professionalising the industry of global trade will provide a definitive standard of competence.
2. The Institute is already a trusted charitable organisation committed to the maintenance of the highest academic
and professional standards in all aspects of international trade.
3. Embedding international trade into the psyche of young people, and by extension young businesses, is at the
core of all activities on both an operational level and strategic.
4. Capable of building and using the international diaspora to extend the UK reach and increase trade between
countries outside of the EU through outreach and education.
5. To upskill the labour market bringing competence and increased confidence when trading internationally
encompassing apprenticeships and the needs of employers.
6. Professional rigour necessary when building a self sustaining industry less reliant on state aid.
7. Developing a greater understanding of the pitfalls of trading and how to use trade agreements to grow their
businesses internationally.
8. To play a greater part in growing the UK balance of trade and assisting role as the UK leaves the EU with a UK first
approach.
New projects:
•
More experts involved increasing the awareness across the country
•
Support for new specialist qualifications Doing Business & Communicating in ….
•
Selling Services, Skills and Software Overseas
•
Legal support for international traders working with the Chartered Institute of Arbiters
•
Small Business Shipping Office
•
Technical Help for Exporters expanding
•
•
Reaching out to more exporters than ever with events and networking opportunities
Sponsorship opportunities
2017 summary:
Annual Calendar of Events:
• February - APMG Parliamentary Debate House of Commons
• April - House of Lords Spring Reception and networking
• 24 May - Graduation Ceremony, Mansion House
• June TBC - GTR Joint Conference and awards ceremony for businesses
• 27 Sept - Queens Award Gala Dinner / Supplementary dinner in Scotland
• 18 Oct – Summit
• 15 Nov - Annual Members Dinner
• The Institute Survey will be taken to a quarterly event and this will target agreed audiences throughout the year
• Roundtable debates also quarterly for the corporate and trade association members in topical issues to feedback
to government
• Parliamentary reviews and research for white papers leading and influencing thought leadership pieces in leading
media
APMG Parliamentary Debate:
• This is the first debate targeted at the senior members of the Institute and thought leaders within industry and
trade associations
• Working in Collaboration with Policy Connect who run the secretariat for the All Party Parliamentary
Manufacturing Group
• Developing a white paper process to inform and disseminate intelligence and thought leadership
Finally, the meeting ratified the voting in our first election with candidates drawn from the ranks of the members on
a truly democratic basis. This new style of operating allows any member to engage in the process of governance and
brought forward a remarkable number of true International trade professionals who were keen to join the board of
Trustees Directors. The response was great and we were only sorry that only 7 places existed.
Thank you all for putting yourselves forward and be assured that work will be found on committees and working
parties for those not on the board this time. In no particular order we welcome on board: Nicola Bolton; Dave
Maisey; Robert Keller; Richard Morgan-Smith; Maria Malinoska; Sean Ramsden and Craig Pattinson. Full board
details are on the website.
Have you considered the benefits of In-House & Bespoke
Training?
Companies are increasingly seeking in-house training for its flexibility, convenience and cost-effectiveness. Choosing
the right training provider is paramount in helping your employees and organisation achieve their goals and
receiving a strong return on investment.
The Institute of Export can provide a cost-effective way to improve the skills of your international team and sourced
from our pool of experienced, accredited & specialised trainers.
IOE in-house training provides tailored training solutions delivered at a location of your choice. Choosing an in-house
version of one of our training courses will be more economical where several members of your staff will be
attending the session. Additionally, we can tailor or create a course on any International Trade topic of your
choosing, to suit the exact needs of your organisation.
You will also benefit from having an IOE trainer 'to yourselves' for the day, and the trainer will be able to
'confidentially' answer questions relating to the specific needs of your organisation.
Choosing an in-house training session means that you are in control of the schedule - you choose the start time and
duration of the session to meet your needs. Plus, your staff will not incur the travel costs associated with attending a
'public' session.
The advantages of in-house training can include:
 Convenience - as timings are suited to your required dates
 Less Disruption - to work schedules
 Confidentiality and Direct Relevance - to company needs
 Value for Money - as the charges are per event rather than per person
 Time Savings - all the work involved in designing the training activity
 Freedom of Expression - attendees can talk openly in the knowledge that competitors are not present
There is a wide range of In House Training subjects available including An Introdution to Exporting/Importing, Letters
of Credit, Agents and Distributors, International Documentation, Developing Services Overseas, Currency Risk and
Money Laundering, Performance Bonds and Guarantees, Intellectual Property and International Market Research –
to name just a few!
To find out how we can help, please contact us to discuss your specific requirements, email
[email protected] or call +44 (0)1733 404400.
Fantastic Showcase of International Opportunities at Going
Global
Across the 17th and 18th of November, Europe's most ambitious business delegates packed Olympia London's
exhibition hall for the very latest edition of Going Global.
Visitors enjoyed a fantastic showcase of the international opportunities available for British businesses targeting
overseas growth and trade. With partner support from the Department for International Trade, the Institute of
Export, and Open to Export - amongst others - this event does more than any other to help UK SMEs grasp the
international business initiative.
A total of 3,600 business owners and entrepreneurs joined a rich stream of trade and international business
expansion experts for the two-day exhibition and conference, and benefited from a schedule of 80 education-filled
seminars that featured the likes of Lesley Batchelor OBE, director general of the Institute of Export; COBCOE CEO
Anne-Marie Martin; and the Department of International Trade's Deborah Lynch Doyle.
“The show was just phenomenal! This year’s Going Global is proof that the show is rapidly growing with more
exhibitors and visitors than ever. The addition of the FDI Show gave us an amazing crossover of delegates across
two days. Both shows brought together export and investment experts to give advice on international trade in
times where it’s mostly needed. I would like to thank every exhibitor, partner, and delegate for making an
unforgettable show. Really looking forward to an even bigger event next in 2017.” Simon Chicken, Event Director
Delegates also made the most of the 60 expert suppliers, taking the unique opportunity to interact with some of the
world's most progressive businesses; the DIT 1-2-1 Meeting International Business Zone was also a hotspot as
visitors could speak to DIT international trade advisors and work out the best ways to start exporting with unbiased,
professional guidance.
“It’s been a really great day. We’ve picked up a lot of leads and met a lot of new potential clients. We really
enjoyed our time here!” Ben Crow, World First
Next May's Going Global already looks as if it will surpass November's achievements as an incredible 81% of visitors
have already confirmed their intention to attend, and 90% of the show's exhibitors have already booked their place
at 2017's show.
Going Global will take place at ExCeL London on the 17th and 18th of May 2017, running alongside the second
edition of the Foreign Direct Investment Expo. For more information on the show, simply visit
www.goinggloballive.co.uk.
India Online: Finally Coming Of Age?
A vast country, about a third of the size of the USA, and made up of 29
different states, India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world
with growth levels reaching between 6-7% (7.3% in the third quarter of 2015).
The market varies widely across the different states, making it a potentially
complex and challenging market, but it is one that cannot be ignored by UK companies that are seeking to expand
and go international.
India is full of opportunities, some very visible and some still to be unearthed. The business opportunities, which
until a few years ago existed only in the traditional economic heartlands of Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore have now
stretched to the emerging cities of Chennai, Nagpur, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Pune and Jaipur, to name but a few.
One particular opportunity is the number and profile of Indian internet users.
Internet penetration is around 34% in India – far lower than the 65-70% found in China or Brazil or the near 90% in
the USA and UK. Yet the combination of India’s 1.3 billion inhabitants, young demographics and changing
infrastructure landscape means that it is one of the most important global online markets to watch. The number of
internet users in India grew by over 100 million in 2016, meaning that over 462 million people were active internet
users.
Taking the data from the research organisation
Internet Live Stats, India’s online population could
be twice the size of the US online population by
the end of next year.
Interested in finding out more about tapping
into this land of opportunity?
The IOE’s Exporters Online SIG, in conjunction
with IBT Online, are holding a ‘Build and Market
Websites for India’ webinar with guest speakers
Nalin Patel and Sreehari Marar from Tractus Asia.
Together they will be covering...
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India business opportunities
India online specifics
B2B and B2C platforms and choices
Localized websites – challenge or opportunity?
Localized marketing – necessary?
E/mcommerce, payments and fulfilment
Best practices and local regulations
And more...
Taking place at 4pm on 14th December, click for details and to register. Can’t attend? Register anyway and they’ll
send you the recording to watch in your own time.
Don’t forget you can find out more about exporting to India with our Doing Business in India Guide, download it for
free here or you can download an app (from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store).
And finally
Fun Festive Facts! Did you know.......?
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Jingle Bells was the first song broadcast from space when Gemini 6 astronauts Tom Stafford and Wally
Schirra sang it on December 16, 1965.
Nearly 60 million Christmas trees are grown each year in Europe; approximately 15 million are grown in
Denmark alone, 95% of which are exported.
Money does grow on trees – the natural Christmas tree market in the UK is worth approximately £384m per
annum.
The tradition of putting tangerines in stockings comes from 12th-century French nuns who left socks full of
fruit, nuts and tangerines at the houses of the poor.
Santa has different names around the world – Kriss Kringle in Germany, Le Befana in Italy, Pere Noel in
France and Deushka Moroz (Grandfather Frost) in Russia.
Icelandic children place a shoe in their bedroom window each evening in the 13 days before Christmas.
Every night a Yuletide lad (the Icelandic version of Santa Claus) comes down from the mountains, leaving
sweets and small gifts or rotting potatoes, depending on how that particular child has behaved on the
preceding day. The Yuletide Lads have names like Spoon Licker, Door Sniffer and Meat Hook.
Christmas pudding was originally a soup made with raisins and wine.
More Next Month! ....
Doing Business Guides
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