NEOTEC and ITAC to Lead UK Trade Mission

KENT, Ohio, Jan. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Northeast Ohio Trade & Economic Consortium (NEOTEC) and its International Trade Assistance Center (ITAC) division is leading a trade mission to the United Kingdom (UK) in June to help area manufacturers develop business relationships enabling them to expand into the European market.  Participants can take advantage of pre-arranged site and plant visits to UK companies and attend briefings by UK government organizations.  They can also see the latest advancements in European manufacturing technologies at several of the UK's leading trade shows.

ITAC staff will facilitate meetings for participating companies, and provide experienced international trade support including market entry preparation, understanding the legal aspects of agreements, adhering to export/import regulations, and negotiating with potential partners.

The trade mission, scheduled for June 6 – 13, is organized by SGI Global Business Advisors.  It is presented in conjunction with the British American Chamber of Commerce, MAGNET (Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network), the Ohio Department of Development and the U.S. Commercial Service.  Organizations assisting with meeting coordination include the British American Business Council, the UK Manufacturers Trade Association and the UK Trade & Investment.

"For companies new to exporting, this mission is a unique opportunity to explore the advantages of tapping into the European market," said Ron DeBarr, president and CEO of NEOTEC. "As the second-largest market in Europe, the UK offers viable opportunities for Northeast Ohio companies to experience export growth without the language and cultural barriers."

According to ITAC director Kimberly Holizna, the UK is a highly developed and diversified market that is the entry market into the EU for more than 40,000 U.S. exporters.  "We believe this is the right time to help Northeast Ohio manufacturers explore entering the UK market.  The recent economic downturn has presented new opportunities for growth and we want our companies to be poised to take advantage of them," Holizna said.

Cost for the mission is approximately $1,200 plus airfare, hotel and incidentals.  For details, contact ITAC at 866-253-4358 or visit www.neotec.org and click on the home page link.  

NEOTEC is a private, nonprofit economic development partnership of 10 Northeast Ohio counties, working to attract capital investments, create jobs and enhance economic opportunities throughout the region.  NEOTEC is based in Kent on the campus of Kent State University, which partners with NEOTEC in its economic development efforts.  

SOURCE NEOTEC (Northeast Ohio Trade & Economic Consortium)