As part of her ongoing pledge to support businesses across Maidstone and the Weald, Helen Grant organised and hosted an ‘Export Showcase’ roundtable in Maidstone’s town hall last week.
Supported by senior officials from the Department for International Trade (DIT), Helen’s aim was to help local businesses maximise their global exporting potential through new opportunities created by the UK’s independence from the EU.
The event marked International Trade Week and attracted interest from a diverse range of companies based within Mrs Grant’s constituency, including; The Maidstone Distillery, Burtons Medical, Balfour Winery, Third Eye Procurement, Owletts Fruit Juices and Curd & Cure / Kent Crisps. Several other Kent businesses also attended.
Helen said, “Many of the companies who attended are already exporting, but now we have left the constraints of the EU trading bloc there is huge potential to expand into other countries around the world. I think the session succeeded in opening doors for everyone and I was delighted with the levels of engagement”.
Commenting on the DIT’s first non-virtual roundtable since the Pandemic restrictions were lifted, Ben Raby, Head of South East for DIT said, “Thank you Helen for hosting this round table. It has been a fantastic way to conclude our International Trade Week, offering services and gaining feedback from some brilliant Kent based businesses.”
The DIT explained a range of free services, training and support that are available, including the UK Export Academy – providing sector specific training programmes for entry level and advanced exporters.