The Institute of Export made a strong call for international trade to be embedded into businesses psyche at a high profile event where speakers included Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills.
IOE Director General Lesley Batchelor OBE presented at the prestigious Exporting for Growth seminar organised by The Spectator and BAE Systems to debate how the UK can boost its position in world commerce.
Champions of British industry and fellow speakers at the event at London’s Millbank Tower included John Cridland, Director General, CBI who told the gathering that is vital that Europe supports the global ambitions of businesses, Nigel Whitehead, group MD of BAE Systems, Michael Ward, MD of Harrods, Giles Carter, MD for Europe of Innocent and Larry Malcic, Director of Design at HOK.
Broadcaster and journalist Andrew Neil chaired the seminar which shone the spotlight on how British brands could be better promoted worldwide to ensure both products and services reach more target markets. With the Government’s ambitious goal to double the UK’s export target to £1 trillion by 2020, as much support as possible is required to ensure businesses venture into new markets.
Lesley’s talk focused on the importance of shifting the export emphasis from Europe to emerging markets.
A spokesman for Exporting for Growth said: “Britain is one of the world’s major exporters, a global leader in professional services, aerospace, defence equipment, education and creative industries. But there is much more that can be done to promote British brands to the world and spread our products and services throughout the globe.
“Having brought together an impressive lineup of speakers to discuss how Britain can capitalise on its strengths and regain the prominence it once enjoyed together with exporting success stories from expert industry figures proved extremely useful for those attending the event.”
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