Pictured above: UK Trade & Investment international
trade adviser Mark Sankey with RNA Automation's sales manager Andy
Perks and managing director Stuart Brettell
UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), a Government department that
generates £5 billion a year for the UK economy, has been
shortlisted by its peers as one of the world's top trade promotion
bodies.
The shortlist was announced ahead of the International Trade
Centre's Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) Network Awards 2010 in
Mexico City from 13 to 15 October.
UKTI will be competing against Australia and Hungary for the
title of Best Trade Promotion Agency for a Developed
Country.
More than 150 participants from 50 countries are expected to
attend the awards ceremony, where delegates will be looking at how
to build export success, and how trade promotion agencies can help
in a changing global environment.
UKTI Chief Executive Sir Andrew Cahn said:
"UKTI is delighted to be shortlisted for this award. My staff
around the world have been listening to UK companies to find out
what they need to succeed overseas. We have developed services that
can make a difference. And we can assure precisely the value we
add.
"Exporting is not only good for the UK economy, it can transform
the business prospects of UK firms. By competing against the best
in the world, firms increase productivity, resilience and
competitiveness.
"Good, impartial advice is the bedrock when doing business
overseas, and that's why I urge firms to take up the help we offer
and see how UKTI can transform your business."
The awards recognise excellence in developing export
initiatives, and UKTI's development of the Gateway to Global Growth
programme for experienced exporters was cited as the reason for its
nomination.
RNA Automation, of Hayward Industrial Park, Castle Bromwich,
Birmingham, which manufactures highly specialised automatic parts
handling equipment for high volume production, joined the Gateway
to Global Growth programme last December.
The company first turned to UKTI for help in developing its
international business four years ago and its export sales now
amount to £400,000 this year, mainly to the USA.
It recently took on three trainee engineers to deal with the
demand from overseas markets.
Sales manager Andy Perks said: "The help from UKTI has been
superb. We have had financial support to visit new customers in the
market and to exhibit at medical shows.
"Our international trade adviser, Mark Sankey, is excellent. He
helped us to appoint an agent in the USA and always gives us
practical advice and support."
Established in 1983, RNA Automation has 35 employees and an
annual turnover of approximately £3m.
International trade adviser Mark Sankey, based at Birmingham
Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: "RNA is an excellent
example of an innovative engineering company that is winning new
business in overseas markets and taking on new staff, having
maximised the services and support available from UK Trade &
Investment."
Factfile
• In the last 12 months, UKTI helped around 25,000
businesses to generate £5 billion for the UK economy.
• For every £1 spent, UKTI generates £19 for
the UK economy.
• UKTI has a network that extends to almost 100 overseas
markets, which generate 98% of world GDP. It also has a presence in
the UK regions and online at www.ukti.gov.uk.
• Ninety per cent of UKTI's customers are small and
medium-sized businesses.
Gateway to Global Growth
Gateway to Global Growth is a service to experienced exporters
which offers a 12-month programme of tailored strategic support to
help companies grow overseas. The programme offers a strategic
review with an experienced international trade adviser to assess
trade development needs and construct a next steps action plan;
guidance and mentoring from export professionals and support on
specialist subjects. It also includes access to UKTI's
international network; assistance with market research, language
and culture and networking opportunities to learn from other
exporters.
Gateway helps a firm to maximise opportunities and reduce the
risk of entering new markets; overcome barriers to new and
difficult markets; develop company skills and save time and money
in achieving international trade goals.