An International Trade Roadshow sponsored by UK Trade & Investment in conjunction with Coventry University Enterprises Ltd and West Midlands Chambers of Commerce LLP will be offering West Midlands businesses a chance to meet with representatives from British Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates from all around the world to find out more about accessing overseas markets.

The Explore Export one-day event to be held at Coventry TechnoCentre on Friday 2 July will help businesses from the region that are seeking ways to emerge from the changed economy, by putting them in touch with new global markets and opportunities. The West Midlands is one of only four UK regions holding this prestigious event.

Commercial Officers from British Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates across North and South America, Australasia, the Gulf States, Europe, Africa, the Baltics and Russia will be available to discuss with businesses in one-to-one appointments how best to access these exciting overseas markets.

There will also be discussion forums involving panels of Country Experts in sessions on Europe, North & South Americas, Asia, Middle East and Africa for those interested in hearing about the wide range of services available to help businesses grow internationally and further highlight overseas opportunities.

Doug Mahoney, International Trade Director for the West Midlands, said: 

"These are challenging times for West Midlands business and SMEs should be encouraged to look at the potential of exporting.

"Exporting can bring significant benefits to any business through opening up new markets for its products and services. This event is an exciting opportunity for small and medium sized West Midlands companies interested in developing new overseas markets to meet with the experts to:

• investigate which new markets may be of interest;

• learn how to approach and develop new markets overseas;

• discover what services are available to assist international growth;

• investigate which new markets are emerging and growing at a high rate; and

• make new 'in-market' contacts and network with SMEs already successfully trading in overseas markets."

The event is also being supported by West Midlands (SME) Internationalisation - a European funded project designed to offer international expertise and trade opportunities for West Midlands SMEs.

Any West Midlands business interested in attending this FREE event - the one-to-one appointments and/or the forum should contact the Event Team at: wmint@cad.coventry.ac.uk  or call 024 7623 6406 or register on the website: http://www.exploreexport-coventryjuly10.com/public/

The deadline for registration is 5.00pm on Friday 25 June and businesses are recommended to book as soon as possible as high demand is anticipated for both individual appointments and the seminar, and places are limited. The event begins at 8.00am and will end at lunch time.