Pictured above: (l-r) Shin Ebihara - Japanese Ambassador to
the UK, Peter Hogarth - International Trade Director, UK Trade
& Investment and David Warren - British Ambassador to
Japan
Leicestershire firms have learnt of ways to break into the
Japanese export market and discover Olympic business opportunities,
thanks to the help and support of UK Trade & Investment
(UKTI).
Working in conjunction with Business Link Japan, UKTI held a
high demand event called Japan Day, where delegates were treated to
an exclusive visit and expert advice from Japanese Ambassador to
the UK, Shin Ebihara and British Ambassador to Japan, David
Warren.
The rare opportunity came amid Loughborough's successful bid to
house the Japanese 2012 Olympic team who will take advantage of the
first class training facilities the East Midlands town has to
offer.
Workshops held throughout the day gave businesses the
opportunity to hone in on specific business sectors and identify
how their UK products and services could succeed in a Japanese
market, while Ambassadors conducted a tree planting ceremony to
mark the two countries flourishing opportunities in business and
tourism.
Japan Day also demonstrated how business and sport share a
common link when preparing for success in Japan, as delegates were
treated to a guest presentation from British double Olympic javelin
thrower, Goldie Sayers who highlighted the need for passion and
commitment before showing footage of her performance at the Beijing
Olympics and concluded by saying: "I am sure the Japanese team will
be very happy in Loughborough and I am sure you will be able to
develop your businesses further."
Businesses also enjoyed a performance from students at South
Wolds School in Keyworth, about business etiquette in Japan and how
to correctly meet and greet Japanese partners.
Andy Jones, Export Manager at Fosters Traditional Foods
said:
"Doing business in another country can be a challenge, so it is
great to know that UKTI and Business Link Japan are there to
help.
"We have recently started exporting our products into Japan and
are already seeing evidence of a return on our investment."
Steve Crane, Founder & Director of Business Link Japan said:
"I am delighted to see so many businesses from across the East
Midlands attend today.
"I am very excited that Loughborough won the bid to play host to
the Japanese Olympic team, which will mean that hundreds of
athletes and support staff will come to the East Midlands over the
next three years.
"There is huge potential for East Midlands businesses to work
very closely with Japan, so we are developing a programme of events
to build overseas relationships which start with Japan Day."