Experts from TDA and Business West’s Export for Growth Project are delivering a Ready for Export Workshop to help Torbay businesses that are new to export identify the opportunities in selling overseas.

The dedicated support package includes 1-2-1 support from an international trade advisor to develop an export plan and money to help implement the plan, in addition to the workshop.

Torbay’s Elected Mayor, Gordon Oliver, said: “Having previously been involved in supporting international trade I am pleased that this workshop delivers vital business support to businesses in Torbay who are looking to grow. Companies in Torbay’s key industries, including photonics and electronics, marine and food production, are signing up to attend the workshop. This shows the ambition and desire of local businesses to seek opportunities to grow, which could see business expansion and create new jobs.”

The workshop will support small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) that are looking for ways to find new customers and increase their revenue. The workshop will include inspiring success stories to demonstrate how businesses can access new markets, create an action plan to start selling overseas and win new business.

The workshop is being hosted at the Torbay Business Centre, Lymington Road, Torquay on 1 May 2018 from 09:30 – 15:30.

Export for Growth is project part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Department for International Trade (DIT). The support programme includes various stages of support which can include 1-2-1 support from an international trade adviser to develop an export plan, and help with many other aspects related to international trade.

Hilary Charman, International Trade Advisor, said: “This interactive workshop will discuss the vital steps businesses should take to start selling their products and services internationally. With TDA we aim to build the confidence and capability of Torbay businesses to help them set and achieve export goals. There are many fantastic local businesses that have the potential to export and this will help them grow.”

The action plan that businesses create during this one day course will form the basis for follow up support from the Department for International Trade with an International Trade Adviser.

Businesses that attend the workshop are then able to apply for an International Trade Bursary of £500 – £1,000. The bursary could be used to visit prospective markets, attend overseas trade shows, digital marketing or for research into new export markets.

Jason Buck, Investment Development Manager at TDA, said: “In addition to the support those attending the Ready for Export workshop will receive, there is the potential of applying to a new international trade bursary to support these companies on their export journey.”

The Ready for Export workshop is being delivered as part of the Export for Growth project.

If you’re an SME located in the Torbay that is new to export or hasn’t exported in the past 12 months visit www.tda-business.com to find out more and register for the workshop.