The Chamber of Commerce set up this ‘Focus Group’ in 2006, under the chairmanship of Hon. Deputy President, John Townsend.
The Group was set up to investigate ways in which the Chamber could be proactive in the sphere of International Trade. The Chamber is often asked to host visits by incoming foreign delegations, but these events are usually reactive - and it is difficult to realise the full potential of the opportunities available at short notice. It was therefore decided to take a longer term view of world markets – linking with emda and UKTI and building on the civic and cultural links which have been formed over the years by the various twinning associations within the County.
The Group now meets on a regular basis, considering ‘all things international’, sharing information and promoting activities that offer opportunities for international trade to companies in Leicester and Leicestershire.
Countries currently ‘in focus’ include China, India, Germany, France and Bulgaria, but our aspiration are not limited to these – we will consider any market opportunities that members are interested in …. And in this respect we work very closely with EMITA (the East Midlands International Trade Association), which organises regular meetings offering an insight to markets around the world.
In respect of China and India, we work very closely with the two Business Bureaux, now under the emda umbrella, but which were both originally set up by the Leicestershire Chamber. The Chamber has been represented on several recent missions to China and India, which have also been supported and developed by the City and County Councils over several years.
The city of Krefeld has been twinned with Leicester for over 40 years – and recently the Chamber has taken the opportunity to discuss mutual cooperation and the exchange of electronic information with the Chambers in the Norde Rhine Westphalia area, which includes Krefeld – and visits have been exchanged.
Strasbourg has been twinned with Leicester for 50 years and the Chamber has set up a project called ‘Network France’ to promote commercial, cultural and educational links with France in general, and Strasbourg in particular. Andrew Taylor leads this project, having himself worked in France in previous years. The links between Loughborough and Epinal, not far from Krefeld, are also being cultivated. In due course, it is hoped to bring together a number of events in the city, under the banner of a ‘French Week’ (or few days), probably including the French market, which has been a regular feature in the city in recent years.
The Chamber has had a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Haskovo, Bulgaria, since 2005 and John Townsend has built up extensive contacts in Sofia, the capital, and Haskovo – as well as other cities in the country. Another inward mission is expected from Haskovo to Leicester before the end of the year. The two Chambers are also working on an EU funded project for further cooperation between the police forces of the two regions, focusing on ‘The Prevention of and Fight Against Crime’ with particular reference to terrorism, illegal use of the internet, youth crime, firearms and drugs.
UKTI has also been working on Bulgaria, particularly in connection with the ‘design professions’ – including sponsoring a mission to Sofia earlier this year, which was combined with the Chamber visit.
Members interested in these activities should contact John Townsend – 0116 279 2586 or JohnTownsend@f2s.com – or the Chamber – 0116 247 1800.
The Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce has been awarded the Colin Grundy Twinning Award for 2011.
The award was set up by the City of Leicester European Twinning Association (CLETA) back in 1995 in memory of Councillor Colin Grundy. Councillor Grundy was an enthusiastic supporter of twinning cities and towns between different countries and was involved in the early discussions about setting up a body which would have oversight and control over the City’s twinning budget.
The award is made each year at the Association’s annual general meeting, the entries are by nomination rather than application, and the judging criteria are based on the value of the recipient’s contribution to the twinning cause.
Past recipients of the Colin Grundy Twinning Trophy have included Judgemeadow Community College, the International Police Association, the Leicestershire Fire & Rescue Service and Cllr. Michael Johnson.
John Townsend, Honorary Life Deputy President of the Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce, was presented with the Colin Grundy Twinning Award for 2011 at a special ceremony on 20th June 2011.
John, who is now a member of the CLETA Committee, expressed his surprise and great pleasure at receiving the award on behalf of the Chamber, noting that commercial collaboration was a natural extension of the civic, social and educational links formed by twinning.
John first got involved in twinning in 2004, when the Chamber was invited to join a CLETA mission to Haskovo, in Bulgaria, to promote commercial opportunities. Since then, the cities of Leicester and Haskovo have formally twinned and John has visited Haskovo and Sofia (the capital) on a regular basis. John has also hosted two trade missions from Haskovo to Leicester.
While the Haskovo twinning is a comparatively recent collaboration, Leicester City has been twinned with Krefeld in Germany (for 40 years) and Strasbourg in France (for 50 years) and John has visited both cities, making commercial links with their respective Chambers of Commerce. While visiting Strasbourg with Andrew Taylor, Chair of Network France, the opportunity was taken to also visit Epinal, which is twinned with Loughborough.
Another, more recent, City twinning involves Rajkot in India, but although John did join the Lord Mayor’s delegation to Mumbai and Surat in 2008, the visit to Rajkot was abandoned because of transport difficulties. Leicester, of course, has many connections with India, with many family ties, particularly in the Gujarat.
John, who chairs the Chamber’s ‘International Focus Group’, is keen to emphasise that exporting is one of the main activities that will help the UK’s economic recovery.
THE VISIT
The visit is planned to take place between the 5th and 12th February 2012, centred on Sofia, but an extension will be offered to visit Haskovo, in the south-east of the country, where some of their food and wine is produced. Leicester City is twinned with the city of Haskovo, and, with the Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce, has a long term plan for assistance and co-operation.
5th Feb - Depart UK and arrive Sofia
6th Feb - Market Briefing at British Embassy
Meeting with the Ambassador
Company Visits
Evening Reception at the Ambassador’s Residence
7th Feb - Company Visits and meeting with the Bulgarian Chamber
8th Feb - Company Visits
9th Feb - Return to UK - or travel to Haskovo, via Plovdiv (2nd city)
10th Feb - Meeting with the Mayor of Haskovo
Company Visits
Haskovo Chamber Conference with MPs and visiting Diplomats
Haskovo Chamber Reception and Food Fair
11th Feb - Visit to local vineyard for St Triffon Zarezan Celebration
Lunchtime Reception hosted in municipality or vineyard
Return to Sofia
12th Feb Return flight to UK
During the time in Sofia – we plan to meet the British Ambassador, UKTI staff, representatives of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and targeted companies relevant to mission members. On the Thursday delegates can return to the UK or extend their involvement by visiting Haskovo.
Opportunities will be available for companies to showcase their products (particularly in the food and drink sector) at various Receptions and Meetings, where appropriate.
A registration fee of £300 + VAT is required for each Chamber member and £350 + VAT non members (£350 + VAT Chamber members or £400 + VAT non members if joining the extended visit to Haskovo). Cheques, made payable to ‘Business Builder Ltd’, should be returned to Paul Murphy
at 1 Mill Lane, Leicester, LE2 7HU.
The mission leader is John Townsend, Deputy President of the Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce and an honorary member of the Haskovo Chamber.
For additional information Tel - 0116 279 2586 or Email – JohnTownsend@f2s.com
To register for this event contact:
Mr Paul Murphy at Business Builder Limited
Tel - 0116 258 7354 / 07787 151 471 Email – paulm@bizbuild.co.uk
WHY BULGARIA?
Bulgaria, with a population of 7.8 million and a location in the south eastern part of mainland Europe, acts as a gateway to Eastern Europe, especially Romania, Greece, Turkey, Serbia and Macedonia. The country joined the EU on 1st January 2007 and has subsequently taken advantage of the free movement of people, goods, services and capital throughout the Euro zone. Bulgaria is receiving over €12 billion of EU funding up to 2013 - to be invested in the transport and utilities infrastructures, development projects and business innovation, technology and training.
Although our initial intention was to focus the mission on the food and drink sector, it is open to all as it will offer opportunities in other sectors for pro-active UK companies.
MARKET RESEARCH
To make the most of the visit, it is essential to plan ahead with proper research. At modest cost, companies will be able to take advantage of UKTI ‘OMIS Reports’ (Overseas Market Introduction Service), specific to their market sector, prepared by the Sofia based UKTI staff - (the cost is subsidised). These reports provide essential information on the country’s economic backgroundand specific market research tailored to the recipient. This service will also set up one-to-one meetings for mission members – so that the best use is made of the time available. On
confirmation of involvement companies will be put in touch with a UKTI International Trade Advisor (ITA), who will provide detailed information.
TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION
Delegates are responsible for arranging their own flights and hotel accommodation – but the mission leader will be using Wizz Air, from Luton, and will be able to advise on suitable hotels.
Return flight costs from Luton are currently around £150 including baggage allowances.
UKTI GRANT
SMEs, which take up the OMIS Report offer, will be eligible for £350 grant towards travel and hotel expenses, if approved by their ITA.
