Mid and East Antrim goes global as business explore export markets

A series of free business workshops are taking place to help entrepreneurs across Mid and East Antrim tap into global export markets.

The training being rolled out by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and leading industry partners, will give companies advice on how to export their products or services to new markets outside NI.

This collaborative initiative will provide a bespoke support programme to local businesses, boosting their recovery and foster growth for the future.

Six monthly webinar sessions featuring the latest advice from a range of experts will cover various topics from the benefits and challenges of exporting, to ecommerce, and social media marketing to wider audiences.

You can sign up for each free session on the Eventbrite website.

The first event kicks off at 11am on October 14 and will focus on the export journey and experts will share their own experiences of export growth and factors to consider when entering new markets.

Encouraging businesses to sign up, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor William McCaughey said: “This is a unique opportunity for businesses to learn from others who are already exporting goods abroad and to learn best practices and experiences. This fantastic online programme will be hugely beneficial to many businesses across the borough.

“Council is committed to nurturing and growing the economy in Mid and East Antrim and after a challenging and difficult period for many businesses, sharing knowledge of new markets is one way we can be proactive and help support firms in the recovery process.

“The recent surge in cross-border trade, increasing use of digital marketing and social media, as well as accelerated growth in sales through e-commerce, means it’s the perfect time for businesses to look at new opportunities and new markets.”

‘Export: Mid and East Antrim’ is being rolled out by Council, Invest Northern Ireland, InterTradeIreland, Ballymena Chamber, Ballymena Business Centre, Carrickfergus Enterprise, LEDCOM, Northern Regional College, Ballymena BID, Michelin Development and Catalyst.

Des Gartland, Invest NI’s North West Regional Manager said: “Helping businesses to grow through exporting supports the delivery of a stronger and more sustainable Northern Ireland economy. Covid-19 has meant that many Northern Ireland companies are rethinking their business strategies and are looking to exporting as a means to stay competitive.

“The series of workshops are designed to help increase the confidence of participants, provide options to manage various challenges and give participants an insight into the experiences of successful export led companies, with the ultimate goal of supporting companies within the Mid and East Antrim area to drive export led growth. I would encourage interested businesses to register to join the series of events.”

For more information contact E: amplify@midandeastantrim.gov.uk