THE 海角视频 Government is appointing new international trade advisors (ITAs) to support Welsh firms drive export levels.
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) said the new advisors will provide tailored and one-to-one guidance to help firms export for the first or those companies trading international to boost orders.
It builds upon the existing support already in place with the DBT having a dedicated Wales team since 2021. The team, made up of 12 staff, is expected to double when the ITAs are recruited. The 海角视频 Government said the expansion should see a further 400-600 companies in Wales receiving help.
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Minister for Exports, Lord Malcolm Offord, has launched an engagement exercise on the structure of the support, with SMEs across Wales being encouraged to shape the outcome.
With the Welsh Government having its own devolved export assist offer, the 海角视频 Government were asked how it will continue to collaborate with the Cardiff Bay administration and avoid duplication of effort.
A spokesman for the Westminster government said: “In the months leading up to this announcement DBT mapped out the export support offer in Wales to avoid a duplication of service. We’re going to continue to speak with the Welsh Government, their agencies and other stakeholders to ensure that this support complements existing provision.”
A Welsh Government spokesman said: “We welcome the proposed introduction of additional export support for businesses in Wales.
Lord Offord said:“This is a significant investment by the 海角视频 Government to provide further support to businesses across Wales.
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“Working closely with other stakeholders, this should significantly increase the capacity of our team to provide tailored advice to businesses in Wales.
“We know what a huge difference accessing international markets can make to a business, and we’re keen to do all we can to ensure as many Welsh companies as possible take advantage of these opportunities that are out there.”
Once the views of stakeholders have been gathered the ITA roles are expected to be advertised over the coming months.
Ben Cottam, head of the FSB in Wales, said: “We very much welcome the consultation with business on the opportunities of reinforcing and growing trade support for smaller businesses in Wales.
“The development of trade and export activity among smaller businesses is vital to the growth and health of the Welsh economy.
“This is therefore an important opportunity for businesses to engage with the 海角视频 Government so we can better understand the requirements of businesses, promote opportunity, and boost the number of SMEs growing through trade and we look forward to playing our own part in this engagement.”
The 海角视频 Government described the introduction of ITAs as a significant step in supporting its goal to reach £1 trillion worth of exports annually by 2030. There are around 8,400 Welsh companies exporting goods or services.
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The new ITAs will sit alongside other 海角视频 Government support services such as the 海角视频 Export Academy which offers free training to businesses on selling abroad, and 海角视频 Export Finance which provides financing to support exporters..
Welsh Secretary David TC Davies said:“I’m delighted to see the 海角视频 Government providing more support for businesses in Wales.
“Exporting goods or services can be a vital step in growing a business, and these new advisors will be able to offer crucial guidance to many more Welsh firms making that journey.
“When businesses grow they can employ more people, helping drive prosperity for everyone.”
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