21/01/2005

Strabane firms helped to develop export expertise

A new initiative aimed at helping Strabane firms boost trade by developing new expertise in international export marketing, has been launched today.

The Trade and Export Links Programme, developed by the University of Ulster’s International Business Centre and funded by Strabane Local Strategy Partnership, will see key figures in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) being offered hands-on professional advice and the chance to develop practical skills that could help them break into new export markets.

The initiative, which is supported by finance from the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation, has been designed by the Magee-based International Business Centre specifically to meet the needs of enterprising business in the Strabane District Council area.

Professor Dolores O’Reilly, Head of School of International Business and Director of the International Business Centre at the University of Ulster’s Magee campus, said: “From our initial work with SMEs in the North-West region we identified that many have the potential to grow their business through exporting and international trade development.

“However, we also recognise that many barriers exist in terms of exporting and this programme has been designed to practically equip these companies with the relevant skills and know-how to enter into new export markets.”

Targeting export-minded manufacturing and service firms, the two-pronged programme gets underway on January 26 with the first of six monthly specialised knowledge-workshops which will be held at Strabane District Council offices.

(MB/SP)

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