Pictured above: Dr Jocelyn Midgley from Australian company Simplot and Bhavin Chandarana from Leicester company Simtom

Leicestershire firms have received a direct introduction to potential Australian business partners thanks to the help and support of UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).

The first in a programme of planned events, 'Australia Meet the Buyer' had a strong emphasis on the food & drink sector, encouraging Oz and Pom businesses to work together in areas such as food safety, shelf-life extension, refrigeration technology, health-food supplements and many more.

In recognition of the huge business potential that exists in the UK, a group of leading Australian companies took the somewhat 11,000 mile journey to meet companies in the East Midlands and discover what opportunities exist in a 'speed dating for business' style event.

The Australian companies had around 15 minutes with each East Midlands business, during which time, both parties had the opportunity to talk about what there firm does and how they could work in partnership together. 

Every 'speed meeting' concluded with a firm hand shake and an exchange of contact details from the other side of the world; with most businesses vowing to be in touch very soon. 

Bhavin Chandarana, Business Development Manager at Leicestershire based company Simtom said: "Australia is the second biggest market for Indian food, today is the first step in getting our product over to Australia, but I can already see that there is great potential for successful partnerships. 

"I have had a very successful meeting with an Australian company called Simplot, we have exchanged contact details and I intend to get in touch very soon, to pursue our potential partnership further." 

Dr Jocelyn Midgley, Food Scientist for Australian company Simplot said: "I have come to the UK to develop my knowledge of the food technologies industry in the UK market.

"I have met with so many valuable contacts in just one day, most of whom I am sure we would never have met if it wasn't for Australia Meet the Buyer.

"I think that there is great potential for partnerships between the UK and Australia."

Ian Morrison, Deputy International Trade Director at UKTI East Midlands said: "Australia Meet the Buyer is designed to offer East Midlands food technology companies the opportunity to win significant new business in the Australian food and drink market.

"The food processing industry is one of the largest sectors in Australia and offers good export potential for UK companies. In 2009, the estimated worth of food and drink exports excluding alcohol from the UK to Australia was 60 million pounds, an increase of two percent from 2008.

"I am delighted that East Midlands businesses have had the opportunity to introduce themselves to leading Australian companies which are actively looking to source new suppliers within the UK."

For more information on how you can become involved with future export business events, please contact UK Trade & Investment on 0845 052 4001 or by emailing info@uktiem.co.uk