West Midlands firms can learn how they can benefit from a new joint initiative between HSBC Holdings Plc and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) to help UK exporters of all sizes capitalise on trade opportunities in 2009. 

The joint HSBC / UKTI initiative is aimed at providing additional trade assistance for companies looking to enhance their ability to grow their export business. 

In the West Midlands, HSBC and UKTI will hold a free international trade workshop to help demystify how to do business internationally and successfully trade overseas. 

The free workshop will be held on Wednesday 13 May at Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Harborne Road, Birmingham, from 9am until 12noon. Registration with breakfast starts at 8.30am, and a networking buffet lunch after the workshop is also included. 

The interactive event is aimed specifically at SMEs preparing to export, or who are already doing so.  It will be presented by experienced UKTI trade advisers and HSBC trade and treasury specialists who will provide advice on the opportunities and challenges in exporting, and help companies understand how to prepare their international strategy and avoid some of the common pitfalls. 

The event will cover:

• the process of trading internationally;

• how you can enter the market of your choice more effectively;

• understanding the risks involved in trading overseas and how to mitigate them;

• how to finance international growth; and

• management of currency risks.

To register your interest in attending the international trade workshop, please go to: www.hsbc.co.uk/tradeacademy