TVBC in partnership with DIT presents - Lets celebrate business

November 26th 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the final event of the year in partnership with the Department for International Trade north east, members and guests were invited to Wynyard Hall to celebrate the past year and to share their experiences of exporting.

Caroline Theobald CBE hosted a panel discussion with local business owners Bill Scott OBE of Wilton Engineering, Ian Dell of Chemian Technology, Fabienne Bailey of One Awards and Dai Hayward MBE of Micropore Technologies who gave an insight into their experience in exporting their products and services across the globe.

Chair of the Club Jane Reynolds MBE welcomed attendees to the event and thanked members for continuing to support the club throughout the past year.

Jane introduced Stephen Muir, international trade advisor for the Department for International Trade to the stage. Stephen went on to explain the role of the department and the funding available for businesses wanting to export and grow into global markets.

Caroline Theobald took over the stage to introduce the panellists and expressed how the north east typically exports over £15bn of revenue from exporting each year. Caroline expressed that size, sector or governance doesn’t matter when exporting and it’s not just for big business. The panellists went on to introduce themselves:

Ian Dell - Chemian was established in 1996 by Managing Director, Ian Dell with the aim of bringing in-depth knowledge, expertise and innovation to manufacturing and supply within the chemical pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Activities span three core areas; contract manufacturing; raw material sourcing and own-product innovation. Chemian Technology, based in Darlington, is best known for its Citrepel range of naturally based insect repellent active ingredients. They developed the product and now manufacture and supply it to their growing list of customers across the world.The company has grown between 20 – 30% annually over the past 5 years after targeting a range of European and South East Asian countries and it is now looking to enter the USA.

Ian Dell, Managing Director says “Exporting has always been of fundamental importance to Chemian Technology, particularly since the development of Citrepel. Most of our turnover comes from overseas sales and we now sell to over 30 countries worldwide.”

Fabienne Bailey - One Awards are a member of the NOCN Group offering NOCN regulated qualifications, apprenticeships and end point assessments. Access to HE Diplomas, bespoke accreditation and quality assurance services for colleges, training providers, local authorities, employers and other organisations that support individuals to succeed through learning since 1994.
NOCN Group works with organisations in Africa, Europe, India, South East Asia, the Middle East, Turkey and the USA. One Awards began their exporting journey in 2018 and they currently work with organisations in Europe, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and South Africa.

Fabienne Bailey joined One Awards in 2018 with over 20 years’ experience in the education, training and skills sector along with 14 years’ senior management experience. She is passionate about lifelong learning both in the UK and globally and the positive impact adult learning can have on changing lives.

Dai Hayward - Micropore Technologies manufactures patented equipment to enable its clients to use Micropore's technology make precision particles and emulsions for use in formulated products across sectors that include food, personal care, cosmetics, flavours fragrances, pharma, household products, and paints. Micropore Technologies was set up in 2003 to commercialise this unique new technology and now operates globally with a head quarters in the north east of England and offices in the USA, India, South Korea and Japan.

Bill Scott - Wilton Engineering builds large, complicated structures for the offshore oil & gas, marine, offshore wind renewables and the defence industries. It currently has around 200 employees and has been exporting for over 20 years. Located next to the River Tees, the company has a 54 acre offshore construction facility with its own blasting, coating and loadout capabilities to produce high quality fabrications.

Currently, Wilton Engineering exports a large proportion of its products, although the figure can fluctuate depending on which sector the company is working with.

The top tip from Chief Executive, Dr Bill Scott OBE is for new exporters to carry out significant due diligence on all the countries and companies you intend to work with and utilise the expertise that is available from organisations such as DIT and UK Export Finance.

Caroline: “Describe your exporting experience and why you decided to export your services/goods?”

Ian: “The UK market is limited for us and it was obvious once the product was developed, exporting was always the plan. Exporting isn’t difficult and it’s no different to the UK. The world speaks English which is a huge advantage.”

Fabienne: “Our organisation doesn’t traditionally export, but we couldn’t rely on the UK solely.”

Dai: “We have exported since inception, our market isn’t in the UK. DIT helped a great deal with the process especially their sector specialists.”

Bill: “Exporting was easier than what I thought, especially with the help from DIT. Continuing to signpost to experts is really important to me.”

Caroline: “In this global age of technology is a person to person approach still supported by DIT?

Fabienne: “Yes! Plan in multiple visits to build relationships and have local representatives in place. It’s so important to build presence in the area.”

Dai: “Multiple visits to the area is crucial to create good collaborations. It’s important to do your homework on the culture as it’s a long-term commitment.”

Ian: “Our work comes through attending trade shows and exhibitions around the world, DIT have provided us with many opportunities to join their exhibition stands which has allowed us to expand our network globally.”

Caroline: “Have you experienced any issues with being paid?”

Ian: “We’ve had no problem with payment, we provide a unique product. But prepare to be tough!”

Bill: “We ensure payment milestones, and will only continue to work on the project once paid at each stage.”

Caroline: “What tips can you give to businesses who are wanting to export?”

Dai: “Research and following DIT’s advice, build relationships to build business!”

Ian: “When looking at exporting first time, I’d recommend working with countries that are geographically local and visit. Take extra days at the end of your visit as well as pack spare clothes in case your luggage doesn’t arrive!”

Fabienne: “Visits are full on and you never get time to see the country, I’d recommending booking time at the end of your visits.”

Jane thanked the panel for sharing their insights into exporting and said, it’s wonderful to hear stories of success so that businesses in the room that want to export can gain confidence in taking the first step.

Members joined in the chapel for mulled wine and festive treats whilst listening to harmonies from the choir. We hope you all enjoyed this festive end to the year and have a wonderful Christmas and new year.

We look forward to welcoming you back for the first event of the year on 20 January 2022 at Wynyard Hall.