Medilink YH News - Summer 2015 | Page 8

international New programme to support first time exporters The UK Government has shown its commitment to increasing the number of exporters with significant Investment in a new package of business support. Delivered by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), the First Time Exporters (FTE) initiative includes training and advice for companies selling overseas for the first time. Research has shown that exporting companies are more productive than non-exporters, achieving stronger financial performance and are more likely to stay in business. The FTE initiative highlights to companies the benefits of trading overseas, giving them the tools to start winning international business quickly. Medilink is delighted to be supporting UKTI in delivery of the initiative, which comprises of: • Export Savvy: an online tool offering companies a short six module programme to help them understand export basics • Export Insight Visits: trade missions that are part education part business. UKTI introduce companies to nearby markets, explaining what an embassy can do for them and are guided through their first contacts with foreign buyers • Digital Advisers: A team of 20 e-Exporting/Digital Advisors will be fully integrated into the ITA teams to help FTEs access digital markets FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR FEEDBACK ON MEDILINK NEWS, PLEASE CONTACT: Kat Trinder, PR Officer Medilink Yorkshire & Humber +44 (0)114 232 9279 [email protected] Findings from recent surveys of UKTI trade clients show: 85% said exporting led to a ‘level of growth not otherwise possible’ • Great British Store: A public/private initiative to provide a link between small, innovative UK producers and buyers, agents and retailers overseas. UK companies can upload a selection of their products to a website that can be viewed by buyers in overseas markets • Global Events Programme: UKTI is working on a new single integrated Global Events and Missions programme, bringing together the three current strands of Trade Access Programme, Events and Missions, and Events Alliance, to be introduced from April 2016. Peter Wheeler International Manager for Medilink Yorkshire & Humber and Life Sciences Regional Sector Specialist for UKTI Yorkshire said: “All the evidence shows that exporting is good for companies - it encourages them to be more innovative, more competitive and more profitable. We are excited to be working with UKTI on launching these schemes and helping get more healthcare and life science companies successfully selling overseas.” For more information on any of the schemes contact international@ medilink.co.uk WWW.MEDILINK.CO.UK 87% said exporting had significantly improved their profile or credibility 78% said exporting had given them exposure to new ideas 73% said exporting had increased the commercial lifespan of products or services UKTI UKTI is the Government department that helps UK-based companies sell overseas and assists overseas companies to bring investment to the UK. Last year UKTI supported nearly 48,000 companies, reporting additional sales of £49.1 billion.