Southern Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry

WEST MIDLANDS BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES COMPANIES ARE INVITED TO JOIN A VISIT TO HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI

18th to 23rd October 2010 - Closing Date for applications: 10th September 2010

BACKGROUND:

Companies from the West Midlands are invited to join a business and professional services visit to Hong Kong and Shanghai. The aim is to take to market a group of companies representing the business and professional services expertise of the region. The type of companies that would be eligible would embrace those involved in financial, legal, educational, recruitment, architectural, consultancy and general business services. The objective of the visit is to research the market place, obtain new clients and to develop partner relationships, ultimately to increase export revenue to the UK through the provision of world-class business and professional services.

BENEFITS OF VISIT:

•Pre-visit and in market support from UKTI staff
•Briefing on opportunities and current market conditions in Hong Kong and Shanghai at the
offices of the British Consulates in both centres
•Consulate hosted receptions in Hong Kong and Shanghai
•Visit brochure featuring all participants circulated widely in both destinations
•Reports on the business and professional services sector in Hong Kong and China prepared by
UKTI teams in market
•Excellent networking opportunities through the support of the Consulates and participation in a
West Midlands UK Trade & Investment market visit
•New contacts and shared intelligence within the market visit group
•Participation in a VIP visit to the Shanghai Expo
•Support of an International Trade Adviser to prepare for the visit, in market during the visit and
with follow up on return

OPPORTUNITIES IN HONG KONG & SHANGHAI:

Hong Kong and the UK are close trading partners and have been for nearly two hundred years. Hong Kong is a dynamic and accessible market with well-established cultural and commercial links to the UK. A major market in its own right, Hong Kong also serves as a trading gateway to mainland China. China is the great world economic success story of the past quarter-century. GDP growth has averaged at more than 9% per year during this period with further similar growth predicted. Shanghai is the dynamic business heart of this economic powerhouse. We will be there for the prestigious Expo 2010 Shanghai.

ELIGIBILITY:

West Midlands based business and professional services companies who are actively targeting Hong Kong, Shanghai and the wider Chinese market. Small and medium sized West Midlands business and professional services firms would be potentially eligible for financial support. This would be payable after the visit, having been authorised on application by the principal organiser. An application form will be provided on request and needs to be completed by all potential participants. Places on the mission will be strictly limited. Companies outside the West Midlands can apply to join the mission with the support of their local International Trade Team. Interested companies should contact the principal organiser shown below or their local ITA. Participants are strongly urged to use the services of the British Consulates in Hong Kong and Shanghai, Commercial Section, for specific research and contact making ahead of the visit.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS:

Closer to departure we will recommend hotels and flights. However, arrangements will not be prescriptive and will allow flexibility for individual plans.

PROGRAMME:

As well as tailored economic briefings by the Consulate staff in both centres there will also be official receptions in each location to which the local business communities will be invited. A detailed programme of meetings for the group will identified in due course. Sufficient time will be built into the programme to allow for individual meetings for mission members in both Hong Kong and Shanghai. The market briefings in both Hong Kong and Shanghai are to be regarded as mandatory for all mission members. The use of the Overseas Market Introduction Service is strongly recommended to use UKTI staff to find contacts and to make appointments. Your local International Trade Team will manage the OMIS process for you.

TO REGISTER PLEASE CONTACT:

For further information or to register your interest, please contact: Steve Cunnane – International Trade Adviser – UKTI Birmingham Team
T: +44 0121 607 0106| M: +44 07980 567748| F: +44 0121 607 0130
s.cunnane@birminghamchamber.org.uk

Friday 2nd July 2010 at Coventry TechnoCentre

About the event:

Exporting can bring significant benefits to any business through opening up new markets for its products and services. This event is an exciting opportunity for small and medium sized West Midlands companies interested in developing new overseas market to meet with the experts.
You will have the opportunity to meet with Commercial Officers from a number (currently over 45 countries) of the British Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates from across the world for discussions about accessing their markets, including: North and South America, Australasia, The Gulf States, Europe, Africa, Baltics and Russia.

Event Schedule:

0800 - 0830 Registration and Breakfast
0830 - 1000 Discussion Forum - Panels of Country Experts providing sessions on Europe, Americas, Asia and UAE
1000 - 1330 Book one to one appointments with Commercial Officers

You are welcome to participate in both sessions or to just attend one session.

This free event is a unique opportunity for West Midlands SMEs to:

• Investigate which new markets may be of interest to you
• Learn how to approach and develop new markets overseas
• Discover what services are available to help you grow internationally
• Investigate which new markets are emerging and growing at a high rate
• Make new 'in-market' contacts and network with SME's already successfully trading in overseas markets

For more details and to register visit our website http://www.exploreexport-coventryjuly10.com/public/

For any enquires please email the Event Team or call 024 7623 6406

Wednesday 16 June 2010 09:00 – 13.00 hours followed by lunch

Port Vale Football Club, Hamil Road, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 1AW

UK Trade & Investment would like to invite you to an overview of business opportunities in South East Asia: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

If you are already trading with any of the above countries, or you would like to find out about exporting to these markets then come and listen to these informative presentations from the people who know!

Presentations will include:

• Thailand Board of Investment – Ms Orasa Paiboon, Director
• Malaysian Industrial Development Authority – Mr. Zuhari Nor, Director MIDA
• Harvey Nash Ltd – Mr Paul Smith, Chairman of Offshore & Outsourcing
• Indonesian Investment Promotion Centre – Mr Guyub Wiroso, Head of IIPC
• HSBC  - a bankers perspective on SE Asia
• UK Trade & Investment & South East Asia Link (SEAL)

Indonesia – UK exports to Indonesia totalled £ 350 million in 2009. According to official Indonesian Statistics, the UK is a leading investor in Indonesia with Foreign Direct Investment Planning Approvals worth US$ 119.9 million in January 2009.

Malaysia – today a middle income country with an economy based on services and manufacturing – key sectors include oil & gas, education & training, ICT, environment, power, water, aerospace, construction and healthcare.

Singapore – the government spends $1.7 billion on IT projects and is ranked No 1 in Asia in the Global Information Technology report -  key sectors are Digital Media and ICT

Thailand – Following the Government’s recent stimulus package, opportunities exist in; consumer goods, health care, education/ training and ‘light infrastructure’

The Philippines - The Philippines is a consumer-oriented society which has a propensity to buy imported goods. There are also privatisations and reforms in the electricity, water and waste management sectors. Infrastructure projects are increasingly being opened up to private finance

Vietnam -  a growth market for consumer goods with priority sectors including transport (specifically ports), rail, environment, financial & legal services and ICT.

The Staffordshire International Trade Team will be organising market visits to Malaysia/ Indonesia and Vietnam in the latter part of 2010 – further details on the visit, eligibility and support will be available at the event.

Whether or not you are able to attend the morning presentations you will also have the opportunity of a 1 to 1 appointment throughout the afternoon with the speakers.  Please tick the appropriate box on the registration form and you will be contacted with a convenient appointment.

This event is aimed at Commercial or Export Managers who already export and would like more information on SE Asia or business development managers who would like to increase their market share during these difficult times by entering foreign markets.

This seminar is free of charge to members, exporters and potential exporters thanks to sponsorship by Thai BOI, MIDA, IIPC and HSBC but places are on a first come first served basis so book early.
 
For further information or to reserve your place/s email: international@nscci.co.uk

WHAT COMES AFTER A RECESSION: IT’S RECOVERY!

UKTI Trinidad & Tobago invites YOU to be a part of the region’s largest and most effective forum for Manufacturers, Suppliers, Exporters, Buyers, Distributors, Wholesalers, Service Providers, regulatory Agencies, Financial Institutions, Investors & Consumers. Yes, you can be present without spending thousands of £ on: Airfare, Hotel Accommodation, Transfers, Entertainment, Shipment Fees, Meals & Taxis! Save thousands of pounds and gain access to new customers by participating in our UKTI British-Branded Premium Exhibition Booth at this event! NOW is the time to secure your business’ future! “Capture new customers, grow your market share, consolidate regional relationships,: Come to TIC - Trinidad & Tobago.”

Facilitated US$400 M in Trade Deals GUIDELINES FOR TIC 2010:

Our UKTI T&T Team will:

 Include your company's logo/name in a printed banner for the booth.
 Co-ordinate receipt of your company’s marketing material
 Display & distribute your business cards, brochures, promotional items etc.
 Collect & issue business cards of interested customers' etc.
 Prepare & issue visitor feedback forms to ascertain leads for follow up
 Prepare a market report customised for your firm based on the above
Total Cost: £500

Deadline for Bookings: Friday 30th April, 2010

UK Companies will:
 Provide their business cards, brochures, promotional items & other marketing material. We suggest quantities of 500 each.
 There are 3 days of business to business, and 1 day of business to consumer, please separate and indicate if there is different material for each target audience.
 Customers must arrange shipment of the above to the T&T UKTI Team at:

UKTI Section
British High Commission
P.O. Box 778
19 St. Clair Avenue
St. Clair
Trinidad W.I.

 The T&T UKTI Section must receive all items by 10th May 2010.
 We may be able to accommodate very small signage, such as a banner/banner, please ask your UKTI T&T team for details.
 All costs of shipping & printing of these materials must be paid directly by the customer. If companies register early, shipment may be alternatively arranged via UKTI’s London Office, please ask T&T’s UKTI team for information.
 We have sourced funding for the exhibition booth, so companies will not be required to contribute towards this.

Save thousands of £££ & access new customers by working with the Trinidad & Tobago UKTI Team

Our UKTI T&T Team awaits your booking:

 Natalie Dookie, Head, Trade & Investment; natalie.dookie@fco.gov.uk – 001 868 350 0402
 Bernadette Bacchus, Trade & Investment Officer; bernadette.bacchus@fco.gov.uk – 001 868 350 0435
 Lazena Abdool-Gay, Trade & Investment Assistant; lazena.abdool@fco.gov.uk – 001 868 350 0431
Address: 19, St. Clair Avenue, St. Clair, Port of Spain, Trinidad ,W.I. Tel: 001 868 350 0444 Fax: 001 868 350 0427

The India Pakistan Trade Unit invites West Midlands companies to attend a FREE seminar on
India Infrastructure

25th March 2010

This free seminar, organised by UK Trade and Investment in conjunction with IPTU, aims to promote the infrastructure opportunities in India to UK companies and help them join the global supply chain.

Senior executives from Indian companies who are major players in infrastructure will address the seminar. Speakers include:

*S Ramachandran – Director Business Development and Corporate Strategy, IVRCL Infrastructure and Projects Limited.
*Phillie Karkaria – Executive Director, Tata Realty and Infrastructure Limited
*Saud Siddique – Joint Managing Director, SREI Infrastructure Finance Limited
*Nripesh Kumar - Assistant Director, Corporate Finance, Price Waterhouse Coopers – UK
*Jayalakshmi Jayaraman – Senior Trade & Investment Adviser, UK Trade and Investment, India

Programme will include:
                                                        * India Infrastructure - the Big Picture
                                                        * Infrastructure Financing and PPPs
                                                        * Opportunities in Infrastructure, EPC and BOT
                                                        * Project Implementation - the issues and challenges
                                                        * Help and Support from the UK Trade and Investment team in India
 

Venue: Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 75 Harborne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3DH

Time: 13.30 - 14:15 Registration and Networking Lunch followed by seminar programme - 17:00 Seminar Close 

Cost: Free of Charge. Book now!

For further details and a booking form please contact Amerdeep Mangat on 0121 607 0105 or email <mailto:a.mangat@birminghamchamber.org.uk>

Professional Service Cluster Market Visit to Russia

Lawyers, accountants, marketers, architects, educational organisations, financial services providers and business consultants from the West Midlands are invited to join a visit to Russia from the 17th to the 21st of May 2010. The principal destination will be Moscow, with an optional second centre destination of St Petersburg. It forms part of the AWM Cluster initiative aimed at developing the international links of business and professional services companies in the region.

Please see the attached flyer for further information.

For further information please contact;

STEVEN CUNNANE
Regional International Trade Adviser
Birmingham Chamber of Commerce & Industry
0121 450 4205
07980 567748
s.cunnane@birminghamchamber.org.uk
www.birminghamchamber.co.uk

Have you ever considered exporting? Or are you already exporting and wish to identify
new overseas market opportunities?

UK Trade and Investment invites West Midlands SMEs to join them for two FREE regional seminars which will showcase the best the region has to offer with support for
entering new markets in International Trade.

The seminars will provide insights from SMEs already successfully exporting overseas, highlight the support available to assist your strategic export drive, and provide
expert and informed views on specific country opportunities, World and European trade overviews and the importance of innovation and product development in
internationalisation.

To register for an Event:

2nd March, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham>>
3rd March, Hilton Metropole, Birmingham>>

Why attend?

Exporting can bring significant benefits to your business through increased sales, increased market share and increased profits
A panel of West Midlands SMEs will discuss their experiences of doing business internationally dealing with foreign currencies, distribution and logistics, getting paid,
cultural barriers, use of technology and highlight their experiences of exporting and how they took on global markets -market selection, penetration and identifying
contacts.

Exporting companies are more innovative and productive

It is a well recognised fact that SME's who deal with and compete in overseas markets are more productive and innovative. To help with this a panel of experts discuss
New Product Development, Design, Diversification,Intellectual Property Rights and R&D Tax Credits and how it will assist you.

Weathering the Storm showcase As well as the seminars there will be a mini Trade Fair of Financial and Business Support organisations
showcasing the possible assistance for doing business in Europe or Global Markets.

* Taking West Midlands Business to Europe 2nd March 2010 National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham

Focusing on trading with Europe with the opportunity to meet with expertsfrom Germany, France, Ireland,Belgium, Poland, Romania and
speak with SME's already successfully trading in Europe. Created in 1993, the European Union has developed into the world's largest international single market
now including 27 member States with a population of approximately 500 million people and is a bigger trading area than the US and Japan combined.

* Taking West Midlands Business to the World 3rd March 2010 Hilton Metropole, Birmingham

Focusing on trading with global markets of Brazil, America, India and China and the importance of innovation and product development for internationalisation. With the opportunity to meet successful
SME's and country experts. The UK is the fifth largest trading nation in the world; the second largest exporter of commercial services and seventh largest exporter of merchandise in the world.
Over 4,500 West Midlands companies already export across the world worth over £15 bn

For further information contact Steve Morrison on 08450 710191

UKTI is delighted to co-operate with Réseau Ferré de France (“RFF”) and other leading French rail organisations to enable Tier 1 and Tier 2 UK Rail Infrastructure engineering contractors and system and equipment providers to gain first-hand information about the developments which are planned in Track Renewal & Maintenance Programmes and High Speed Rail (“LGV”) Projects in France today and in the near future.

Opportunities

• Learn about specific project opportunities
• How to approach the French rail market and win business
• Understand French PPP procedures and the EU regulatory and public procurement environment
• Identify the support available to your business from UKTI

Seminar Programme

9.00 Arrival & Registration
9.30 Introduction & Welcome
9.35 RFF – Keynote Speech by TBA , Director of Investments on “ les Grands Projets LGV” (High Speed)
10.05 RFF – Procurement Strategy by François Meyer, Procurement Director
10.50 Coffee Break
11.05 SYSTRA – International Projects by Andrew Boagey, Director Northern Europe
11.30 Case Study – Successful UK Rail Co. in France TBA
11.45 RATP – Paris Orbital Metro Line by Thierry Du Crest
12.15 French PPP Structures by DLA Piper, Paris Office
12.35 Q&A Session
12.45 Networking Lunch
13.00 Opportunity for 1-2-1 meetings with UKTI Commercial Officers
14.00 Close

Speakers

TBA RFF Director of Investments
François Meyer RFF Director of Procurement
Thierry du Crest RATP Director ‘Grand Paris’ Projects
Fabrice Rué DLA Piper Senior Partner French PPP transactions
Andrew Boagey Systra Director Northern Europe

Date: Monday 22nd February 2010
Time: 9.00 – 14.00
Venue: BIS Conference Centre, 1 Victoria Street, London, SW1H 0ET
Cost: Free to UK registered companies

If you would like to attend this event, email vicky.wilcock@sscci.co.uk for a reservation form.

Businesses invited to join a market visit to Paris (Based around Paris International Spa & Beauty 2010) Closing Date for Applications: 5th February 2010

Costs

Non refundable administration fee of £100 (required with application to secure a place) Return flights, food and accommodation, taxis

Programme
Sunday 14th: Evening departure from Birmingham airport
Monday 15th: Walk the show plus individual company meetings. Evening dinner at “La Coupole” followed by Paris by night tour (included in package cost)
Tuesday 16th: Morning visit to a Nez (perfume specialist who creates fragrances) followed by debriefing lunch (price not included)
Evening return to Birmingham

Benefits of the Visit

• Opportunity for face to face meetings with potential clients or representatives in the market
arranged by the British Embassy in Paris
• Excellent networking opportunities
• Reduced costs through fi nancial package offered
• Support of two International Trade Advisers including native French speaker
• Shared intelligence within the market visit group

Opportunities in Paris

The visit coincides with the International Spa & Beauty show (Mondial Spa & Beauté). Dedicated to spa, wellness, beauty, cosmetics and nails professionals, the show takes place at the Palais des Congrès. Now in its fi fth year it attracted 12722 international visitors in 2009.

Eligibility

Small to medium sized enterprises based in the West Midlands operating in the health and
beauty sector including: Beauty treatments (body and face),spa treatments (body and face),cosmetics, make up, nails, equipment and material for beauty salons, equipment and material for spas, equipment and material for tanning centres, accessories (spas, beauty centres, nails), massage training, hydrotherapy training, food supplements, organic products, image consulting, beauty institutes, beauty schools, training centres (list not exhaustive).

OMIS Service

In order to make the best use of your time in Paris, the package includes up to 6 individual
contacts/meetings with potential French business partners arranged by the British Embassy in
Paris. These will be held at the show on Monday 15th March. Interpreters will be provided as
required.

Travel
Delegates are free to make their own travel arrangements or extend their visit and still qualify
for the grant, however our arrangements are as follows: www.expedia.co.uk

Return flight Flybe Birmingham to Paris (depart: 17:55/return:20:55)
Hotel Meridien, Etoile-81 Boulevard Gouvion Saint-cyr , 75848 Paris

Approximate cost from £400 - This itinerary is strongly recommended

For further information and to apply please follow the contact details below:

CHRISTINE ARMISTEAD
International Trade Advisor
UKTI Shropshire
Tel: 07779720451/+44 (0) 845 641 1515
Email: christinea@shropshireinternational.co.uk

KARINE BARATEAU
International Trade Advisor
UKTI Shropshire
Tel: 07730982714/ +44 (0) 845 641 1515
Email: karineb@shropshireinternational.co.uk
www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk

Companies are invited to join a market visit to Cyprus focussing on environmental technologies but including other business activities

Dates of Visit: 8th to 12th March 2010

Closing Date for Applications: 8th February but companies requiring research (see top of final page) should apply by 8th January.

Financial assistance may be available for qualifying small and medium sized enterprises

Benefits of the Visit:

• Credibility through British government backing
• High level contacts in Cypriot Ministries, Municipalities and the private sector with an opportunity to meet with them and assess the opportunities for your products and services
• Assistance of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce
• British High Commission Briefing on the market and how to do business
• Excellent networking opportunities through support of British High Commission and participation in a West Midlands UK Trade & Investment market visit
• New contacts and shared intelligence within the market visit group
• Plenty of time to meet with potential customers and partners
• Reduced costs through group travel and financial package
• Support of an International Trade Adviser pre and post visit
• Services of an experienced market visit manager during the visit
• Research can be commissioned through UKTI to enable you to maximise the benefit of your visit

Why you should visit Cyprus:

Substantial E.U. backed investment is being made in Cyprus with more to come over the next few years to clean up the environment and establish up to date facilities particularly for waste disposal and recycling. Substantial opportunities can also be found in the water and waste water industries where Cyprus is facing severe problems. Renewable energy also presents opportunities.

Cypriots are familiar with the U.K. and doing business with the British but the UK’s competitors are aware of the opportunities. The time is right to visit now to investigate the market and to meet Cypriot businesses your company could work with in the future.

Although the focus of this visit is environmental technologies, companies in other sectors, such as but not exclusively, tourism and leisure related industries and food and drink are also encouraged to participate, as substantial opportunities also exist in these sectors.

Eligibility:

Any UK based company particularly from the clusters/sectors identified above can join the mission. Some companies may be eligible to receive financial assistance of up to £400 and you should discuss this with your International Trade Adviser. Special provisions are being made for West Midland companies. Again discuss in the first instance with your International Trade Adviser or speak with Graham Ashmore, Head of European and Cluster Policy, who will be managing this mission and can discuss market opportunities and advise you on your options.
Graham’s contact details are given at the end of this information sheet.

Costs:

Airfares vary greatly according to route and carrier chosen. Cyprus Airways from Heathrow to Larnaca return should be in the region of £180-£210

Experience has shown that companies prefer to make their own flight arrangements and so are free to do so. All participants will stay in the same recommended hotel in central Nicosia. We will book this for you at special rates obtainable through the British High Commission. You will need to budget c£90 per night

Travel Arrangements:

Although it is becoming easier and easier to book flights and make other travel arrangements on line and you are free to do so, it still takes time exploring the options. With this in mind we have appointed Travel Management Group Ltd - contact Shaun Derrick -  Tel:  01926 332266 Fax: 01926 831578 shaun.derrick@tmguk.com'  to act as agent for the mission, if members would like to use an agent. In our experience using Travel Management: at worst costs very little more than booking on-line yourself; can sometimes be cheaper, as they might know of options that you do not discover; and certainly can save time.

Programme:

On Tuesday 9th March there will be a briefing by the British High Commission commercial team and professionals on the Cypriot market and ways of doing business. Following this, meetings will be arranged with relevant Ministry and Municipality officials and business representative organisations. These meetings will be carefully chosen to enable you to get a good understanding of the potential of the market. An evening reception will be organised to enable mission participants to give hospitality to known contacts and to meet new contacts.

Mission members are free to arrange their own meetings for the rest of their stay in Cyprus and to decide how long this stay is. Whilst EnvirotradeWM will meet the costs of arranging the group programme in Nicosia and the general research involved in it. If you are new to the market, you are encouraged to commission research through UKTI’s Overseas Market Introduction Service. This service can not only brief you on the opportunities for your specific product or service in the Cypriot market but can advise on the appropriate routes to market, identify Cypriot contacts that would be useful for you to meet and arrange a visiting programme tailored to your individual needs. This is a chargeable service and your International Trade Adviser can help you decide on the level of service appropriate for you. The service is heavily subsidised. To get a good view of how the market works for your product and service and to have a programme arranged with pre-vetted contacts for say two days, you should think in the region  of £1,000 

Contact Details:

For further information on this market visit please email Graham Ashmore grahamashmore@blackcountrychamber.co.uk If you want to discuss any aspects of the mission to Cyprus before returning any forms, do not hesitate to telephone Graham on 0781 037 7794

Or contact your UKTI International Trade Adviser based at your local Chamber of Commerce.

The Business Processing Association of the Philippines and the Commission on Information and Communications Technology, in cooperation with the Philippine Trade & Investment Center in London, cordially invite you to a seminar and networking event entitled Best Value Outsourcing to the Philippines.

The Business Forum will be held on 16 November 2009 at the Tudor Rose Room, Sheraton Park Lane, Piccadilly, London W1J 7BX. Speaking engagements will take place from 9AM-12NN, followed by a networking session from 130-330PM for a chance to meet the key players from both the
government and the private sector. A complimentary sandwich lunch will be served during the break.

The Business Forum will provide comprehensive and valuable information on the Philippines as an Offshoring Destination, and will serve as a platform to meet the key players from both the government and the private sector. You are invited to take part in this unique event. Online registration and the profiles of participating companies are available at: http://www.investphilippines.org.uk/events/best-value-outsourcing-2009.html

This Business Forum is free to attend and subject to availability of seats.

London 1 December - Edinburgh 2 December - Leeds 3 December - Birmingham 4 December at The International Convention Centre (ICC)

The Asia Task Force invites you to attend a major series of events around the UK on Doing Business in Asia. These events bring together 17 senior UK Trade & Investment officials from
across Asia and businesspeople with hands on experience of doing business in the region.

They are an exciting opportunity for small and medium sized UK companies active in the
region or interested in expanding into Asia, to find out about the latest developments affecting
business in Asia today.

Some of the interactive sessions you can register for include:

• Thailand briefing from Steve Buckley (Director of Trade & Investment, Thailand) and Ian
Hutchins (Tesco Plc)
• Singapore briefing from Amanda Brooks (Deputy High Commissioner, Singapore) and
Keith Birmingham (VBC Group)
• India briefing from Jane Owen (Director of Trade & Investment, India) and Jog S. Lall
(Cosworth Ltd)

Confirmed Keynote Speakers:

• Asia Task Force Co-Chairs: Lord Mandelson, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills and Lord Powell of Bayswater.
These events are a great opportunity for small and medium sized UK businesses to:
• Stay ahead of the competition - latest briefings on the business climate from senior
representatives from UK Embassies and High Commissions in 11 Asian markets
• Learn from experience - case studies and practical advice from UK companies succeeding in Asia today
• Have your key questions answered - interactive Q&A sessions on 11 Asian markets
• Make contacts and network - pre-book one-to-one meetings with UKTI's experts from Asia and network with speakers and delegates
• Get practical advice on your next steps - learn how UKTI services and support can help you take the next steps to succeed in Asia

Markets covered:
• China • India • Indonesia
• Malaysia • Philippines • Singapore
• Southern China & Hong Kong • South Korea • Taiwan
• Thailand • Vietnam

There will be a charge of £40+VAT for attending each event, with a reduced rate for members of our partner organisations.

For more details and to secure attendance at one of these events please visit
www.businessinasia.co.uk

For any enquiries please contact the Event Team: businessasia@ontracpr.co.uk or call 0117
933 9549

Find out how your company could benefit from the rapid growth in construction activities
in these markets – creating opportunities for UK companies

Opportunities:

* Brazil – Huge infrastructure investment and the 2014 World Cup and now the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
* Russia – Massive investment for the 2014 Sochi Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and the related infrastructure. These sporting projects are also stimulating private sector development in hotels, offices and retail.
* Turkey – Turkey commands a unique position bridging Europe and Asia and provides opportunities to penetrate the Middle East, Central Asia and Russia. Opportunities also exist from the investment of EU preaccession funding, the regeneration of city centres and the growth of tourism.
* Mexico – The ‘National Infrastructure Programme’ of both infrastructure projects and new satellite cities has created rapid growth and opportunities in the construction sector.
* Gulf Region – Opportunities in the Gulf Region are associated with major infrastructure and city
development projects such as the four economic cities in Saudi Arabia and the New Doha International Airport and Education City in Qatar.

UK companies who are interested in taking advantage of this fantastic opportunity should contact:
Kim Newton on 02476 236290 or email: kim@btob.co.uk

FREE EVENT

Find out how your company could benefit from the rapid growth in construction activities in these markets – creating opportunities for UK companies

This interactive event is free of charge and will allow you to:

● Understand the business opportunities in the markets of Brazil, Russia, Turkey, Mexico and the Gulf region and
what construction services and products these markets want to buy
● Identify the funding opportunities for overseas visits and export initiatives
● Establish the best routes to access these dynamic markets
● Gain specific advice to develop your links with these overseas markets
● Benefit from case studies of successful construction exporting companies
● Receive support on the identification of potential markets and much more
● Receive valuable market reports on Brazil, Russia, Turkey, Mexico and the Gulf Region – designed to help your business begin exporting to these countries

The event is repeated across the country to give all UK construction companies the opportunity to benefit. Because this is a free event places are limited. Reply NOW and we will send you a map and more details on the itinerary for the day. You will also receive a buffet lunch and refreshments throughout the day.

Date and Region
Tuesday 1 December 2009 - East Midlands (Nottingham)
Wednesday 9 December 2009 - London
Tuesday 15 December 2009 - South East/South West (Swindon)
Wednesday 13 January 2010 - North East (Newcastle)
Thursday 14 January 2010 - Yorkshire & Humber (Leeds)
Tuesday 26th January 2010 - North West (Manchester)
Wednesday 10th March 2010 -  Scotland (Glasgow)
Wednesday 17th March 2010 -  East of England (Cambridge)
Wednesday 14 April 2010 - West Midlands (Birmingham)

Friday 20th November 2009 at Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
75 Harborne Road, Birmingham B15 3DH

7:15-9:00am (with a FREE breakfast available from 7:15am)

The Services Directive is a European law that aims to make life easier for businesses providing or using services in the European Union. The Directive comes into force across the EU on 28 December 2009 and it will enable many firms to: let up a new business or branch under simpler and faster procedures, at home or abroad

Easily offer services in other EU countries without having to set up a business there
Obtain information and complete administrative procedures through one place in each country
Gain access to a large range of services for your own business

The Services Directive: Sell your services to Europe
The EEN West Midlands and West Midlands Chambers of Commerce are hosting this FREE event to help businesses understand the changes, how to take advantage of them - and how they will benefit you. Speakers Malcolm Harbour MEP and Jane Swift, Deputy Director of the Department for Business’ EU Services Directive Implementation Team will explain just how you can benefit from the Directive - providing practical advice and case studies.

Who should attend?
The Directive will apply to two thirds of all service sector firms, including: distributive trades, constructions services, craft services, most professional services (including legal and fiscal advisors, architects and veterinaries), business related services (such as advertising and
recruitment services), tourism, accommodation and food services, training and education services, real estate services and household support services.

IF YOU OPERATE IN ANY OF THESE AREAS THE SERVICES DIRECTIVE HAS THE POTENTIAL TO AFFECT HOW YOU DO BUSINESS WHETHER YOU OPERATE ABROAD OR NOT SO COME ALONG AND LEARN HOW!

How to register your place? If you would like to attend this event, confirm your FREE place to Katie Teasdale at k.teasdale@birminghamchamber.org.uk or on 0121 450  4204. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis to please confirm ASAP and by 15th November at the latest.

Thursday 24th September 2009, 11.00 - 14.00 hrs

South Africa is a sophisticated and promising market, offering a combination of well-developed First World economic infrastructure with a vibrant emerging market economy. South Africa and the UK are natural trading partners, with English as the main business language and similar legal systems and business cultures. The world’s attention is on South Africa in the lead up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, but there are real business opportunities to be had now, and beyond 2010.

The South African Government has embarked on an ambitious ten-year Capital Expenditure Programme which has proved extremely timely with the worldwide economic down-turn. The programme is worth approximately £60 billion, with the majority of the expenditure in the transport
and power generation sectors. South Africa is a land alive with possibility and there are opportunities for UK companies across almost all sectors of the economy. Come and learn about opportunities in the following sectors and how UK Trade & Investment can help you: Rail and Advanced Engineering
Education & Skills Construction, Environment, Power ICT and Healthcare

SOUTH AFRICA: ALIVE WITH OPPORTUNITIES

Format of the Event:

At this roundtable meeting UK Trade and Investment specialists, including Duncan Hill - Deputy Trade Commissioner at UKTI in Johannesburg, will provide an economic and business environment overview. Business experts from South Africa will also be on hand with knowledge of how to set up a business in South Africa. So come and meet the experts, ask questions and network with other companies interested in doing business in South Africa over a buffet lunch.

Who should attend:

Company owners and managers with strong interests in exporting or investing in South Africa.

Location & Time:

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce & Industry
75 Harborne Road
Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3DH
11am until 2pm (buffet lunch included)

To book:

Email: ukti@birminghamchamber.org.uk
Tel: 0121 450 4205

This event is free of charge but places are limited, so book now to avoid disappointment.

Two of the UK’s foremost international trade advocates have joined forces to encourage more British businesses to rediscover their mercantile spirit during the recession.

David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and Lord Davies, Minister for Trade and Investment, are urging companies - especially SMEs - to recognise the numerous trading opportunities in foreign markets and to start exporting.

The joint call comes at the beginning of World Trade Week UK and follows the publication of the BCC’s international trade survey, Exporting Britain.

The report reveals that most companies export because they have been approached by their customers (58%), or by an agent or distributor (19%). Half of the firms polled said they export to specific markets because they already had connections there.

The BCC argues that these figures suggest that many businesses are not as proactive as they could be when it comes to exporting.

Other key results from the survey include:

• 43% of firms said they do not export as it does not feature in their business plan.

• Of the 87% of exporters trading in Europe a minority encountered non-tariff barriers.

• Help finding clients would encourage 21% of non-exporting businesses to consider it, while 16% would be incentivised by a ‘one stop shop’ that provided market research, legal advice and fiscal support.

Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, David Frost, said:

“Exporting is vital to the future growth of the UK economy. Not just in manufacturing but services as well. Thanks to our membership of the EU, we have a home market of nearly 500 million consumers and we should be using it as much as our European competitors are.

“Britain has some hugely successful exporters, both large and small, but we don’t have enough of them. We need to explore why these companies are successful, what drives them, and what lessons can be learnt by other companies that have equally good products but do not see exporting as key.”

Lord Davies, Minister for Trade and Investment added:

“For UK businesses winning sales and beating the recession is too important to leave to chance. Businesses need to take the time to think strategically and work out which overseas markets best suit their products.

“UKTI research shows that most businesses overestimate the risks and underestimate the benefits of exporting. It is vital we give British businesses world class support to make the most of global opportunities and increase their activity in overseas markets.

“UK Trade & Investment’s local market experts helped 20,700 businesses generate £3.6bn last year. Whether it’s our Passport to Export scheme or helping companies attend an overseas conference or exhibition, UK Trade & Investment can help companies grow their international business.”

Commenting on the trade figures for January published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

"It is disappointing that exports continue to fall at a faster pace than imports and that the UK’s trade deficit has remained fairly flat in recent months. This is further confirmation that sterling’s competitive exchange rate does not boost our exports in the face of a serious global recession.

“While we oppose protectionism and remain committed to free trade, it is important that adequate export finance remains available to struggling British businesses. The Chancellor’s Budget should address any shortfalls in this area.”

DATE: 25th March 2009

VENUE: The Ramada Hotel, Cannock, WS11 0DQ

COST: FREE of charge

This seminar will tell you all about UK Trade & Investments Passport to Export scheme, the perfect step by step programme to get you started properly through a structured programme of support – ideal for new and experienced exporters.

Find out about:

• The Export Health Check. Have you got the necessary capabilities, resources and commitment to be successful?

• The Passport to Export Workshop, designed to help you structure your own export strategy.

• Developing an effective and appropriate action plan.

• Implementing an action plan with the on-going help of your own personal Trade Adviser

For further information or to reserve your place/s telephone 0845 074 3515