Firms' chance to trade crucial export advice

BUSINESSES can get advice on exporting support from Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce during advice sessions being held tomorrow at Oldham College.

The chamber of commerce is joining forces with the Department of International Trade for the advice clinics between 10am and 3pm.

Individual businesses are being encouraged to book a 30-minute session with an international trade adviser. Priority will be given to companies looking to begin exporting their products and services.

The clinic will be held in Oldham College's new Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce members' lounge, which was opened at the Middleton Road campus in November.

Event organisers say recent reports from the British Chambers of Commerce and CBI indicate that only one in five UK companies are currently exporting, which is below the EU average.

The Government estimates that £36 billion could be added to the UK economy if the number of exporters was increased from current levels of 20 per cent to 25 per cent.

David Wright, an Oldham-based adviser with the Department of International Trade, is one of the advice clinic organisers.

He said: "There are a lot of reasons why UK companies should be looking to export. Getting involved with international trade allows firms to become more innovative, achieve economies of scale and greater margins and to cope better with domestic recessions."

Guests at the event can also meet Emma Parr, Oldham and Rochdale regional manager for GM Chamber.

For bookings, search for 'Export Advice Clinic Oldham' at www.eventbrite.co.uk.