Programme
11.00am |
Event opens |
11.15am |
Official opening by Councillor Andrew Carter, Deputy Leader, Leeds City Council |
11.30am |
Networking and Exhibition |
Milan '08 Delegate Reception' (Invitation only) |
|
12.00 noon |
Lunch (invitation only) |
1.00pm |
Seminar sessions begin |
Session 1 - 1.00 - 1.30pm
A/Subsidised export research
B/Importing for the first time
Session 2 - 1.40 - 2.10pm
A/'Mind your manners' - business protocol and etiquette in Russia
B/e-Cert - Chambers online documentation service
Session 3 - 2.20 - 2.50pm
A/A little language goes a long way
B/How to get your goods to market
Session 4 - 3.00 - 3.30pm
A/Iraq – open for business?
B/China – a classic challenge for UK business
Session 5 - 3.40 - 4.10pm
A/Choosing your export markets – the key to export success
B/Make cents out of currency
Session 6 - 4.20 - 4.50pm
A/Introduction to International Trade
B/Who wants to be an AEO and how will it affect my business?
1A/Subsidised export research
Richard Gilbert, British Chamber of Commerce (BCC)
To be a successful exporter it is essential to plan your entry into the market. Marketing research is crucial in the development of a market entry strategy and professional advice and financial support is available.
UK Trade & Investment provides support to companies to undertake export marketing research through the Export Marketing Research Scheme, managed by The British Chambers of Commerce.
Hundreds of companies each year access free, professional and independent advice about researching export markets and receive financial subsidies of up to 50% towards marketing research costs. Attend this session to find out how your company could benefit.
1B/Importing for the first time
Mike Strawson, Chamber International
Importing can be as simple as finding a source, agreeing a quantity and price for a specific product, placing the order, receiving the goods and paying for them. But just a minute,
What about languages?
What about foreign standards?
What about shipping the goods?
What about all those forms?
What about foreign currencies?
What if the goods are damaged?
What if the goods are not up to standard?
See and hear how all these issues can be covered and resolved. The taster session gives highlights of some of the contentious areas and shows how in some cases it is as easy as the first sentence suggests.
2A/'Mind your manners' - business protocol and etiquette in Russia
Dr Evgeny Polyakov, University of Huddersfield
Churchill's description of Russia as a 'riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma' still holds true for outsiders looking in. Gaining some basic insight into the Russian mentality, culture and etiquette are key for anyone doing business in Russia. This fascinating and entertaining look at the Russian business mindset will show you how to win over your Russian customers and covers:-
The 7 principles of doing business in Russia
What is 'dusha' and why is it central to building successful business relationships?
Understanding what goes on around the business table
How to respect local rules, but play your own game
How to manage corruption
2B/e-Cert version 5 launch and demonstration
Chamber’s own online export document service
Nikki Cunningham, Chamber International
Research shows the region’s exporters are top of the table when it comes to using the latest technology to improve their businesses. The British Chamber of Commerce’s (BCC) league for e-Cert usage - which slashes the certification process to a matter of hours - shows Yorkshire companies are using the system more than anyone else in the country. This session will demonstrate the very latest version of the product which is revolutionising the way exporters prepare their documents. Chamber International Manager Tim Bailey said: “We’ve put a great deal of investment into e-Cert to make it more user friendly and added EUR and ATR’s to the current suite of documents. It represents a radical overhaul.” Exporters can submit a document online in less time than it takes to boil a kettle!
Also includes FREE registration for attendees at the close of the session
3A/A little language goes a long way
A case study led by Paul Stark - Marshalls plc and Liz Littler, Regional Language Network (RLN) Yorkshire and Humber
Understanding other countries’ language and culture makes good sense for companies who want to trade abroad as this case study will show. Presenter, Paul Stark, says “My 20 years experience with Marshall's has taught me that international trade is about forging relationships. If you learn a little bit of someone’s language it helps you form that relationship. People think ‘Wow, these people are really interested in me and my culture.’
Fellow presenter, Liz Littler, Business Manager of the Regional Language Network (RLN) Yorkshire and Humber, an independent government funded organisation for international communication, will describe the help that’s available.
3B/How to get your goods to market
Alan Turner, Future Forwarding Co Ltd
A good freight forwarder can be the vital link in the overall chain of distribution, but the exporter should not leave everything to the freight forwarder and should themselves be involved early in the decision making process thereby ensuring the correct combination of service/price is achieved.
Find out the answers to these questions and more:
What is a forwarder?
How do I match the mode of transport to the goods I’m shipping?
What information will my forwarder need in order to obtain the best freight rates, routes, methods of shipment?
How does the cost of transport impact on my overheads?
What regulations do I need to know about?
Do I need to register as an importer/exporter?
Do I have to pay import/export duty?
Do I need a licence?
Country Briefings
4A/Iraq – open for business?
Steve Neely, Iraq Economic Development Group (IEDG)
The Iraqi Government wants UK companies to have a major role in the reconstruction of Iraq's essential infrastructure.
British firms are already active in Iraq despite ongoing insecurity, in a range of sectors, including:
Power
Water
Health
Telecommunications
Oil and gas
Construction
Education and training
Where are the opportunities for UK companies in Iraq and what are the risks? Learn about help available from IEDG including onsite marketing to project facilitation.
4B/China – a classic challenge for UK business
Andy FitzGerald, Chamber International and
Giles Blackburne, Director,
China Britain Business Council
In a recent *EEF survey almost three-quarters of companies cited China as posing the biggest competition threat over the next five years.
However, the role played by foreign–invested enterprises in China should not be overlooked. As much as three-fifths of Chinese exports is produced by foreign investors, capitalising on low-cost production in China.
This session will also show how you can benefit from visiting China as part of a trade delegation. *Lee Hopley, senior economist with EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation
5A/Choosing your export markets – the key to export success
Jo McBeath, International Trade Advisory Team Manager, UK Trade and Investment (UKTI)
Market research is the corner stone of all export success. However, how do you know which countries to research if your product has worldwide appeal? Looking at the country from two angles, size and attractiveness, can be a useful tool to help assess whether there is demand for your product or service and how easy it will be to exploit it.
This interactive seminar will provide the tools to help you target and prioritise the countries you wish to sell to overseas, which can form a blueprint for all your future research needs
5B/Make cents out of currency
Helen Scott – Managing Director, 4X Currency Corporation plc
This briefing will demonstrate how 4X Currency can help save your business money on purchasing foreign currency during these current tough trading conditions. The presenter, Leeds born Helen Scott, a former City trader and investment manager, will give an overview of currency exposure, how to turn it to your advantage, timing currency trades and how to get a better deal than the banks are offering. Helen was shortlisted for a prestigious BlackBerry Award for her 4x dealer package which offers fast, simple access to the best rates for smaller firms.
6A/Introduction to International Trade
Terry Willcox, International Trade R&C Advice Team, HM Revenue & Custom
A briefing for all kinds of businesses including start-ups, those looking to import or export for the first time, occasional importers and exporters. Senior managers within businesses that already trade overseas and need refreshing in customs import and export procedures. An essential half hour session that explains the key customs procedures you need to know.
6B/Who wants to be an AEO and how will it affect my business?
Ms Julie Marsh, Treasury Manager and Ms Maureen Munks, Senior Import Controller, Vow Europe Ltd; Davies Turner & Co Ltd - speaker TBC
Like it or not the Authorised Economic Operators scheme will touch all businesses involved in international trade in the future as AEO is poised to achieve worldwide recognition. Attend this briefing to get answers to key questions including:-
How do the benefits of becoming an AEO stack up?
Will the accreditation my business already holds be taken into consideration
How often will I be audited and what's involved?
Should I be using an AEO approved forwarder?
Will I still be able to use customs simplified procedures if I don't become AEO registered?
