UK business leaders to speak at major regional export conference

6 October 2009

East of England companies will have the chance to hear one of the UK’s foremost business gurus speak about the significant opportunities for firms of all sizes to increase their revenues through exploiting overseas markets.

Lord Digby Jones, a name synonymous with British business and previously Director General of the CBI and Minister of UK Trade & Industry, will be the keynote speaker at ‘Global Opportunity’. Digby Jones will tell the region’s businesses why they should be looking beyond UK shores to fuel their growth and raise their profitability.

The conference, organised by East of England International (EEI) which delivers business support on behalf of UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) to assist the region’s firms exploit overseas markets, is being sponsored by HSBC. The bank’s chief economist, Mark Berrisford-Smith along with other business leaders to be announced soon add to the auspicious line up of keynote speakers for the event that takes place on 19th November at Newmarket Racecourse.

The day also includes a discussion panel involving the speakers and local business chiefs, a short awards ceremony to recognise export leaders from across the region, opportunities to arrange one-to-one meetings with UKTI commercial officers from countries around the world and ample time to network.

The afternoon includes a series of breakout sessions, enabling delegates to hear firsthand from experts on how to go about exporting to countries such as the USA, Europe, Middle East and Brazil. Additional breakout sessions will focus on exporting for specific industry sectors such as ICT, life sciences, renewable energy and digital media.

EEI’s Head of Regional Trade, Marguerite Meyer, encouraged businesses to attend, saying: “This is a one-time chance to hear from some excellent speakers and get a good understanding of the real opportunities overseas markets offer, as well as learn how exporting isn’t as difficult as many would think.”

Tickets for this one-off event are strictly limited to 200 on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and people interested in attending are encouraged to register quickly. Tickets cost £50 which includes refreshments and lunch. To register, visit www.eei-online.com/globalopportunity or call 08456 419 955.

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