Businesses in Greater Manchester will be the first in the Ƶ to join a new Government support scheme to help them to export to more overseas markets.
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority has teamed up with the Department for Business & Trade to launch the Enhanced Trade Partnership, which will be launched later today.
The “enhanced and unparalleled” project aims to bring together local and national advisers to make life easier for SMEs looking to tap into global markets.
International Trade Advisors will join forces with partners including the Growth Company and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce to help firms with their export plans and offer bespoke support.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “My message to any business in Greater Manchester looking to make their exporting ambitions a reality, we want to help, and hope that the new hub will pave the way to get more businesses trading right around the world.
“We know that businesses who export, grow even faster, which is why this government is determined to get even more small firms on the exporting ladder”
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “International trade has driven the transformation of Greater Manchester’s economy over the past two centuries, and although today our city-region today looks very different, the desire to connect and trade with the world remains part of our DNA.
“To realise our wider regional and national growth ambitions, we need to ensure small businesses to have the right tools and support to make the most of the opportunities in new international markets. This partnership is an example of what Greater Manchester does best, bringing together regional and national government and our local business support network to drive growth.”
Mark Hughes, CEO of the Growth Company said: “Having worked with tens of thousands of businesses across Greater Manchester, we know there is huge potential out there. This improved partnership is built on strong foundations, and we're excited to see what more GM's thriving business community can achieve with even greater collaboration and support across GM Business Growth Hub and our partners”
Clive Memmott, chief executive atGreater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: “In the post-Brexit world and the current geo-political tension in global markets there has never been a more important time for making sure that we efficiently connect our businesses to international opportunities and then provide top quality support to make this happen. It’s vital that the critical help and support that businesses require is delivered by the key partners in a coherent, accessible and helpful way to encourage businesses new to exporting or for those already active in international markets to expand and diversify where they trade.
“This initiative is based on these principles and builds on the sound foundations already in place but wants to take this to the next level to deal with the challenges and maximise the opportunities that exist worldwide."
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