Six West Midlands companies found out more about opportunities
for developing their export business in Thailand from Britain's top
representative in the country.
They met Quinton Quayle, HM Ambassador to Thailand, at a recent
networking event at The Potters Club, Stoke-on-Trent, which was
organised by UK Trade & Investment.
The firms that took part were Staffordshire-based JCB, WWRD
(Waterford Wedgwood Royal Doulton), Dudson Group, Steelite
International and EOS Risk Management, plus Autobahn Porsche
Coventry.
John Kavanagh, group communications director of construction
equipment manufacturer JCB, said: "We work closely with UK Trade
& Investment in many countries around the world.
"The Ambassador was keen to understand the issues that JCB and
the other Staffordshire-based companies face when doing business in
Thailand, and his offer to help develop business relationships in
the country was greatly appreciated."
UK Trade & Investment international trade adviser Pat
Steele, based at North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce, said: "We
were delighted to discuss opportunities in Thailand with the
Ambassador, and the feedback from the participating firms was
excellent.
"Despite the current political uncertainty in Thailand, the
fundamental business drivers remain in place and the UK continues
to be Thailand's most significant European investor.
"Thailand is designated one of UK Trade & Investment's High
Growth Markets. It imported goods and services worth over £3
billion from the UK in 2008 and takes a welcoming approach to
British companies."