Embassies around world can help firms target markets

Anton Rudgalvis, one of 25 UK Trade and Investment advisers in the east of England, told Beds and Luton Chamber of Commerce High Level Business Leaders Lunch that UKTI had a wealth of skills waiting to be tapped.

Mr Rudgalvis, who is based in Bedford, said: “Most of our trade advisers have worked in companies and are specialists in their sectors.

“We can help companies whether they are large or Fred in the shed.”

The government has a network of 162 embassies around the world, all of them with trade advisers geared up to provide market knowledge in a range of sectors.

They can help firms find a route to market as well as advice on finance and how to present themselves to the outside world through advice on website design.

Mr Rudgalvis is a believer in actually speaking to people in their own language. He said: “A lot of people hide behind the internet and do not use verbal communications.

“They say, I sent him an email. Big deal.”

The UKTI does have a website which can help put people in touch with firms looking to do business in the UK.

Mr Rudgalvis said: “If people register, we can let them know when we get contacts from anywhere else in the world. If you don’t sign up, you will never know.”

UKTI can also find help for getting into export markets and into trade shows, meet the buyer events and trade missions to overseas nations with financial support.

The government can also help to break the ice with supplier companies overseas with its kudos.

“Imagine getting a call from say the Belgian embassy inviting you to a meeting at the embassy with a potential customer,” Mr Rudgalvis said. “It is an event and that is the impact we can have on your company’s behalf.”

l Visit www.ukti.gov.uk