Are you an SME looking for new ways to expand and grow your business?

Have you considered taking the step to start selling your products/services internationally?

Our breakfast session is a beginner’s session, aimed at businesses who want to start exporting or just getting started. We will share with you Sales, Marketing and Finance tips from local small business experts to get your business export ready and signpost you to additional help available including 12 hours of free mentoring and the potential of additional grant matched funding.

Agenda

Arrival from 7am

7:30 - 8:00 Buffet Breakfast and Networking

8:00 - 9:00 Presentations

Why export? - Karen Knight

In conversation with Karen Knight, International Trade Adviser with Department for International Trade (formerly UK Trade and Investment).

Tailor your marketing – Denise O’Leary, Purpol Marketing

Research your market
Understand your client types
Align your brand
Promotion across borders

Develop your sales strategies – Alison Edgar, the Entrepreneurs Godmother

Customer behaviours
Sales process
Sales strategy
Trade missions

Structure your finances – Sue Marchant, Cool Ventures

Managing cash
Improving the bottom line
Keeping it legal (and keeping taxman happy)
Raising funds

Where to get help for the next stage

Discussion about more help available

We will signpost you to Exporting expertise including International Trade Advisers, and resources from the Department for International Trade (DIT) and Information about the Exporting is GREAT campaign and website.

Be inspired by success stories in the South West and understand what it takes to win new business overseas. Breakfast and networking opportunities will be provided.

We will help you assess your business and build confidence in your capability to export.

Speaker Biographies

Denise O’Leary is the founder and owner of Award Winning Purpol Marketing - WIBA New Business of the Year 2016 and Women in Marketing – Best Independent Consultant 2016. A dynamic, enthusiastic marketing specialist, coach and company director, Denise has extensive experience of delivering impressive results in demanding business environments. Purpol Marketing identify and implement effective marketing strategies on a pay as you go basis.

Alison Edgar is ‘the Entrepreneur’s Godmother’ and recognised as one of the UK’s top 10 business advisors, she was invited to the Queen’s Royal Garden party and Downing Street for her dedication to Enterprise. In 2015 she won GB Entrepreneur of the Year, special merit for service, and is regularly featured in national press and radio, as a sales expert, but her biggest thrill comes from seeing her client’s amazing sales achievements.

Sue Marchant is a CIMA qualified management accountant, and has helped many businesses to establish a robust financial framework, whether at the start up stage or for more established businesses. Sue has experience of running her own businesses, both as a sole trader and Cool Ventures and in 2010 Sue was nominated for the Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative Adviser of the Year.

The event is being sponsored by Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership; and DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Swindon.

Never thought of Exporting? Find out How! Beginners breakfast workshop