The JMB Partnership is delighted to have been appointed as Government Export Champion in a bid to inspire and support more organisations explore export.
Announced at the Midlands Engine Trade Summit last week, the ‘Midlands Engine Export Champion Programme’ sees JMB Managing Director, James Blakemore, along with 27 other business leaders from across the region offering their expertise and advice to inspire companies to export and support existing exporters looking to expand into new markets.
Speaking at the Summit in Birmingham, International Trade Minister Mark Garnier said:
“We want to use the momentum of the Midlands Engine to drive this region’s exports to new heights and I am delighted to announce the launch of these new champions. 28 experienced exporters based in the Midlands will work to inspire others to either export for the first time or to export more.
My department is helping even more companies in the region explore opportunities on the global market and through this Programme local business will truly benefit from a range of expert advice from local business leaders.”
Export Champion and MD of The JMB Partnership, James Blakemore said;
“It is an honour to be appointed as an Export Champion. This is an incredibly exciting time for businesses across the UK and we look forward to supporting other ambitious companies looking to explore the huge benefits international trade can bring.
Following on from our win of the Queen’s Award for International Trade last year, this appointment is further testament to the hard work of the entire JMB team and the huge benefits that investing in international trade can bring.“
Over 27,000 businesses across the Midlands Engine exported nearly £40 billion worth of products to over 100 countries in 2015 and the Midlands is responsible for 24% of England’s manufacturing output with particular strengths in automotive, motorsport, aerospace and rail.
The creation of the Midlands Engine Export Champions Programme swiftly follows the launch of the government’s Midlands Engine Strategy.
An ambitious strategy to help the Midlands reach its full economic potential, the strategy was published last week as the Chancellor Philip Hammond visited the region the day after delivering his first Budget.
It includes significant investment in skills, connectivity and local growth, while it sets out how the government plans to drive the region’s huge potential and promote it to the world.
Over 600 delegates attended the Midlands Engine Trade Summit at the Vox Conference Centre where they participated in specialist workshops and heard first-hand the steps they can take to export their goods and services overseas.
In addition to engaging with SMEs and local businesses, the Midlands Engine Export Champions will promote the Department for International Trade’s Exporting is GREAT campaign and digital tool www.great.gov.uk which helps UK businesses break onto overseas markets. This innovative new programme will provide practical advice and support to drive further growth in exports.
If you are interested to find out how you could benefit and the support available, please visit contact us directly or visit www.great.gov.uk