Oldham Business Leadership Group advises on new routes to
business
27th January 2010
Businesses should be looking at international market
opportunities as a route to business growth as we emerge from
recession, according to the newly formed Oldham Business
Leadership Group (OBLG).
The steering group, which is made up of number of Oldham's
business leaders, is teaming up with internet giant Google, to host
its inaugural event on topic of exporting on Monday 1st March 2010,
with the aim to encourage companies to sell their products and
services internationally and dispel some of the myths around
barriers to entry.
Commenting on the event, Gavin Wheeldon, CEO of
Saddleworth-based Applied Language Solutions and member of OBLG,
said: "There is a perception that exporting only applies to
manufacturers but this simply isn't the case. Any company providing
a product or a service domestically should be seriously considering
how they can sell into other markets. I set up my business in 2003
and international sales now account for 70 per cent of annual
revenues. I believe passionately that UK businesses are missing a
trick by not exploring opportunities in other countries."
Applied Language Solutions formed a partnership with Google in
2009 called 'Export Box' to provide a one-stop-shop support service
for first time exporters. This has since been complemented with
additional partners such as Royal Mail, Grant Thornton, HSBC and
the Institute of Export and provides help that includes website
translation, Google advertising campaigns, shipping, financial and
trading advice. Many of the partners will be at the event to answer
questions along with international trade advisers from UKTI and
other business support organisations.
New Routes to Business, which is free to attend, will take place
on Monday 1st March at Oldham's Queen Elizabeth Hall from 8:45am
until 12:30pm, featuring key note presentations from Google and
from business and financial advisers, Grant Thornton, in addition
to a panel discussion with companies that have been successfully
exporting their business for some time. Attendees will also receive
a £50 Google voucher to help them kick-start their
international campaigns.
Wheeldon added: "We have designed an event that will be
informative and interesting for any business even if they aren't
sure if they're ready to take the big step into exporting and we
are thrilled to have Google on board. There is so much support out
there for businesses looking to grow, particularly using an online
presence, and things like language, cultural differences and
confusion around how to trade and market services overseas
shouldn't be viewed as blockers to growth."
To book a place at this event, register online at www.exportbox.co.uk/newroutes
or email elaine.ashworth@oldham.gov.uk
ENDS
Press contact: Anna Simpkins - anna.simpkins@appliedlanguage.com
/ 0844 888 7203