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A list of the organisations offering information to businesseson the various services, schemes and grants to assist them in trading internationally. UK Trade & Investment is the Government organisation that supports companies in the UK doing business internationally and overseas enterprises seeking to set up or expand in the UK. For those exporting for the first time or businesses experienced in international trade expanding into new markets we can help develop export capabilities and provide expert advice, reliable data, and professional research. Business Link and UK Trade & Investment offer support, both financial and advice, to SMEs who are, or seeking to be, involved in exporting or other components of international trade including:
In addition specific assistance is offered by UK Trade & Investment to ICT businesses in the following sectors: Communications, Creative & Media, Electronics & IT Hardware and Software & Computer Services. The following 6 sections will provide you with useful information depending on each of the four ICT related sub-sectors outlined previously.
Inward Investment Advantage West Midlands (AWM) manages and co-ordinates the investment service for the West Midlands, in collaboration with a range of regional, national and international partners. AWM seeks to attract and retain investment and jobs from foreign-owned companies to the region, predominantly in high value-added and high technology industry sectors/clusters. ICT companies CSC and Cap Gemini have recently located to the West Midlands and join companies such as Fujitsu, IBM, Oracle and many others who have already chosen the West Midlands as their base. The Inward Investment team based at Advantage West Midlands' head office in Birmingham, is responsible for all lead generation and client project management activity. AWM is also responsible for a comprehensive network of overseas offices that operate in key markets. The offices in Europe operate as the West Midlands while those in North America and Asia Pacific operate under the British Midlands brand, a joint initiative with the East Midlands Development Agency. Contact details for the UK and AWM's overseas offices can be found on AWM's Inward Investment webpage.
Other references for International Trade The British Chambers of Commerce offer advice/financial assistance for companies to conduct market research. Intellect advises companies on their international business growth plans and delivers support to them through a wide range of activities West Midlands in Europe is a cross-sectoral partnership representing the interests of the West Midlands region in Europe. With a high profile office in Brussels, over 90 partners and extensive contacts, West Midlands in Europe is well placed to ensure the West Midlands region plays an active role and makes the most of opportunities in Europe. International Trade Promotion Centre at Birmingham's NEC is a fully integrated part of the National Exhibition Centre. They are focused on providing innovative solutions that enable UK companies and overseas visitors to trade shows to communicate and collaborate more effectively. Midlands World Trade Forum aim is to help companies develop their export performance, by providing a forum through which they can assist each other, access relevant support services, and make their views known on issues affecting international trade. Signpost West Midlands is the single access point to all European Union services in the region. Intatrade is a project tailored to delivering intelligent solutions to the joint venturing and other overseas investment activities of West Midland's businesses. A specialist service complimenting existing UK Trade & Investment's programmes, it offers a 'hands on' approach, experienced advisors, intelligent signposting, financial assistance and self help material. Available to all businesses within the West Midlands, Intatrade services are delivered by Coventry University Enterprises Limited working in conjunction with the local International Trade teams. Soft Landing Zone programme is a network of high-tech offices located on Science parks across the globe. Offices have been established in the high-growth markets of China, India, malaysia, Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Turkey, Poland, Middle East, Romania and Sweden and offer UK companies access to dedicated 'hands on' support and office space in all these markets. China-Britain Business Council provides a range of cost-effective, China business services. It aims to support and assist any UK-based company interested in developing its business in China, whatever the company's size, sector or approach to the market. India Pakistan Trade Unit (IPTU) is the online portal one-stop information shop on the West Midlands working and trading with South Asia. The Regional Language Network (RLN) provides language advice, information and resources to businesses and individuals in the West Midlands. Amongst its objectives is to show businesses that they can increase exports and improve their performance in international markets by developing a successful foreign language and cultural strategy. West Midlands Collaborative Commerce Marketplace The online business directory to promote West Midlands companies worldwide offering both practical and financial support for exporters. Europartenariat - encourages cross-border links between small and medium-sized enterprises. |
