First-time exporters from the Bristol and the West of England are being invited to explore opportunities in the fast-growing Central and Eastern Europe markets by taking part in a trade mission to Poland in October.
The trip to Warsaw between October 6 and 8 is dedicated to building connections and learning on how to sell goods and services in the region.
Organised by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) South West – the regional arm of the Government’s trade-boosting organisation – it is one of five Export Insight Visits under UKTI’s First Time Exporters initiative. 
The visit will help firms with little or no international sales experience to understand how to export from the front line. The package for South West businesses includes a full programme of in-market business seminars on trading with Central and Eastern Europe, flights, transfers, accommodation and meals and costs only £200 (ex VAT).
Poland is the eighth largest, and fastest-growing, economy in Europe and 22nd largest in the world.
The UK is the third largest exporter of services to the country and the visit offers the chance to network with potential customers and colleagues in a market seen as offering fantastic opportunities for first time exporters.
The two night stay will be led by one of UKTI’s expert international trade advisers and also includes one-to-one meetings with trade officers in Poland and the opportunity to meet the British Polish Chamber of Commerce.
UKTI regional director Russell Jones said: “As a small business looking to trade overseas, there is no substitute for getting out there, making connections and finding the best route for your product or service. The visit to Warsaw ticks all these boxes and gives inexperienced firms the chance to find out what exporting is all about.
“For first time exporters, the task can be daunting, but a two night stay in the fastest growing economy in Europe should help to calm these nerves. From site visits to seminars all guided by an International Trade Adviser, the trip to Warsaw puts firms in pole position to tap into markets in Central and Eastern Europe.
“The UK already has strong connections in Poland. With our help, businesses can take advantage of these links and we could see the West Country to Warsaw become a thriving trade route. For businesses knocking on the international door, this is an opportunity not to be missed.”
UKTI is also arranging visits for first time exporters to the Republic of Ireland, Latvia, Portugal & Spain and the Netherlands later this year.
To book on any of these trips contact international market visits adviser Angela Maynard-Smith on angela.maynard-smith@uktisouthwest.org
For further information on UKTI’s support services in the South West, call 01275 370 944, email enquiries@uktisouthwest.org or visit www.gov.uk/ukti
