Members of the Darlington Business Club have met a key team at the Darlington Economic Campus for a series of sessions focused on how the Government can support them into international markets.
The businesses got the chance to talk to Jo Crellin – the UK’s chief civil servant responsible for supporting exporters, and there was a session from expert international trade specialists on how businesses can benefit from the Department for Business and Trade’s free UK Export Academy.
The programme, launched in 2020, is designed to give businesses across the UK the confidence and know-how to sell their products and services overseas and grow their international sales.
Darlington-based businesses have been crucial to the UK’s exporting success, with £120m worth of goods exported around the world in 2022. And the diverse businesses attending at DEC ranged from a graphics design agency to a cleaning and removals firm.
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Jo Crellin, DBT’s Director General for Domestic and International Markets and Exports said: “This has been a fantastic opportunity to listen to members of Darlington Business Club and hear about their experiences of operating in the North East.
“DBT having a presence all around the country, including here in Darlington, means we can hear directly from companies of all shapes and sizes. Events like this ensure when we’re making policy it’s with the needs of UK businesses in mind and their experience influences how we develop our support.”
During the day DBT also shared information about its masterclasses, events and access to overseas trade missions and fairs. In addition, DBT highlighted the opportunities provided by the UK’s recent free trade agreements for businesses to sell their goods and services into new territories.
Attendees also learnt about how the Government’s Export Digital Enquiry Service can help them as the first point of contact to get exporting advice.
The service is able to tap businesses in with a network of over 150 international trade advisers, with bespoke support available to those who get in touch on how they can become export ready and navigate markets around the world.
Jayson Gurney, Managing Director of Darlington Business Club, said: “This was a unique opportunity to strengthen our business relationships with government departments, foster collaboration, and drive economic growth in our community.”
Jo Spottiswood, Creative Director at TheSparkLabs, added: “By bringing together key government departments and talent, Darlington Economic Campus is a dynamic ecosystem for innovation and growth, which will in turn also increase collaboration opportunities between businesses and policymakers, leading to tailored support, and a stronger local economy, creating a thriving business hub for the region.”
Richard H Tucker MBE, CEO at AAA Caring Caretaker Limited, said: “As a local business employer of 51 staff, 23 per cent of whom have seen or unseen disabilities, we were delighted to have this opportunity for Q&As.
“As an employer, we want to understand the growth opportunities for local businesses. We welcome an honest and frank discussion on how we are going to support the region economically and deliver growth.”
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