A new initiative aimed at encouraging Yorkshire businesses to expand their reach into international markets is set to launch next month across York and North Yorkshire.
This series of roadshows, which are free to attend, will take place in October and visit six locations over two weeks, including Scarborough.
The roadshows are supported by the Business Innovation Fund, spearheaded by York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith. This fund will provide grants ranging from £3,000 to £10,000 when the next application round opens in November. "We are committed to helping our local businesses thrive, and this funding is a vital resource for those looking to explore new markets," stated Mayor Skaith.
Participants in the roadshows will have the opportunity to receive practical advice from industry experts and hear from local business owners who have successfully embarked on their export journeys. Last year, businesses involved in the export programme benefited from a grant pot of £200,000, which was utilized to fund trips to international expos and other initiatives aimed at expanding their market presence. These efforts resulted in more than £15 million in sales for participating businesses.
One success story highlighted is The Potions Cauldron, a York-based company specializing in magic-themed soft drinks. They have effectively leveraged the support from the Department for Business and Trade and the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority to enhance their export capabilities.
Phil Pinder, co-founder of the Potions Cauldron, said:
“When you start exporting into a new market, you have to invest your time and money but if you get it right it’s more than worth it.
“During our first year of exporting we sold more than 20,000 drinks but this year we have the potential to export more than 1 million drinks.
"It’s not just the bigger businesses, some of the smaller, niche brands are just as loved abroad as they are here. With so many ways to find customers across the world through the internet, we have never been in a better time to start exporting than now.”
Jennifer Wood, of Ripon based O&3 Limited and Chair of the Business Board, said:
“As the co-founder of a business that exports across the world, I know there are challenges to exporting but I also know that it is worth the effort.
"York and North Yorkshire is full of businesses with the right products, talent and ambition to export across the world."This is a big area of growth for our region, so I am proud that we are bringing the experts and the financial support together for our fantastic businesses.”
The Business Innovation Fund has come in five programmes focussing on ‘Sector Activity’, ‘Spin-Out and Start-Ups', ‘Get Exporting’, with ‘Great Ideas’ and ‘Get Funded’ launching over the coming months.
The roadshows are expected to provide valuable insights and networking opportunities for local businesses, paving the way for more entities to successfully engage in global trade. As the initiative unfolds, it aims to transform the export landscape for businesses in the region, fostering growth and innovation.
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