REPRESENTATIVES from Worcestershire businesses heard from two successful local exporters at an event held earlier this month.

FinditinWorcestershire's, supported by Worcestershire County Council, held the event on February 21.

Special guests were Gymshark and the Sunday Girl Company, with representatives from the firm speaking about their experiences of exporting, and sharing their top tips for businesses looking to grow within the UK.

Bromsgrove business, Gymshark was created in 2012 by teenager Ben Francis and a group of his high school friends. It grew from a screen printing operation in a garage into one of the fastest-growing and most recognisable brands in fitness clothing.

Retro clothing brand The Sunday Girl was launched by Gaena Martin from her Kidderminster home three years ago, and currently generates 40 per cent of its sales from overseas.

Businesses were also given the chance to find out about the benefits of exporting from Linda Smith, head of the International Trade Team in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, who provided valuable insight on what it involves.

She discussed the support the Department for International Trade (DTI) can offer businesses, which is widely free of charge.

Lorna Jeynes, project manager of FinditinWorcestershire, said: “While the idea of exporting may be appealing, many businesses can find the prospect of embarking on it somewhat daunting. However, there are numerous benefits to be gained from going down the exporting route; you only have to take a look at the likes of Gymshark and The Sunday Girl Company, to see the type of results that can be achieved.

“This event was designed to help businesses who may be considering exporting to explore what it’s all about, speak to the right people, learn about the support that’s available to them and provide them with the insight they need to step their strategic business growth up a gear, both at home and abroad.”

FinditinWorcestershire

(21 February exporting event)

Exporting = business growth + increased profits

Worcestershire businesses got the chance to learn about the ins and outs of exporting from a team of experts, as well as two local success stories, at our event on 21 February.

In detail

Worcestershire businesses got the chance to hear from two hugely successful local exporters at our exporting event on Tuesday, 21 February.

Special guests, Gymshark and The Sunday Girl Company, spoke about their experiences of exporting and shared their top tips for businesses looking to grow within the UK and beyond.

Bromsgrove business, Gymshark, was created in 2012 by teenager Ben Francis and a group of his high school friends. It’s grown from a screen printing operation in a garage into one of the fastest-growing and most recognisable brands in fitness clothing.

While retro clothing brand The Sunday Girl, was launched by Gaena Martin from her Kidderminster home nearly three years ago and currently generates 40% of its sales from overseas.

Expert international trading advice

Businesses were also given the chance to find out more about the benefits of exporting from Linda Smith, Head of the International Trade Team in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, who also provided valuable insight on what it involves.

Linda also discussed the support the Department for International Trade (DTI) can offer businesses, which is widely free of charge. The DTI has a network of experienced international trade advisers across the country - alongside staff based in UK Embassies and other Diplomatic Offices around the world - ready to provide local businesses with:

• Expert trade advice

• Market know-how

• Practical support

In addition to finding out more about the help and advice available to them from the DTI, businesses were able to share their queries with several international trade experts and an Export Finance adviser.

Lorna Jeynes, Project Manager of FinditinWorcestershire, said: “While the idea of exporting may be appealing, many businesses can find the prospect of embarking on it somewhat daunting. However, there are numerous benefits to be gained from going down the exporting route; you only have to take a look at the likes of Gymshark and The Sunday Girl Company, to see the type of results that can be achieved.

“This event was designed to help businesses who may be considering exporting to explore what it’s all about, speak to the right people, learn about the support that’s available to them and provide them with the insight they need to step their strategic business growth up a gear – both at home and abroad.”