Northern Ireland In-Person Export Networking

On November 11, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Northern Ireland In-Person Export Networking event at Erskine House, Belfast. Hosted by the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) as part of their International Trade Week, the event brought together a network of driven entrepreneurs, business leaders, and experts with a shared vision: to support Northern Ireland businesses in going global. 

🌐 It was a fantastic chance for #DigitalStrada to connect with others who have international ambitions and to gather insights on growing beyond the UK. 

🌟 A Valuable Networking Experience
The event was a true networking hub! Alongside businesses from Northern Ireland, we had the chance to present our own ventures and plans for global expansion, sharing our aspirations with supportive professionals and peers.

💬 It was energizing to meet and exchange ideas with employees from the Federation of Small Businesses in the UK, representatives from the Department for Business and Trade, and fellow attendees from Small, Medium, and even Large Enterprises.

🤝 With such a dynamic mix of participants, the atmosphere was both collaborative and insightful. We gained valuable perspectives from others, learned new approaches to tackling challenges, and had a genuinely great time connecting and learning together.

📈 Highlights from the DBT and the UK Export Academy
One of the event’s highlights was hearing from Richard Elliott, Head of Creative Services at DBT, who provided practical advice and guidance on export growth strategies.

🎤 With years of experience in both public and private sectors, Richard’s insights emphasized the importance of effective strategy and preparation when aiming to enter international markets.

🌎 His presentation was especially relevant for businesses like mine, where the creative industry’s potential to attract global clients can be a game-changer.

✨ The event was also a chance to learn more about the UK Export Academy.

📚 For any business owner considering international expansion, this program is a crucial resource. Here’s what they have to say:

💬 “The UK Export Academy can support your business to grow by giving you the confidence and know-how to land your first, or next overseas deal. Over 18,000 businesses across the UK have already joined our free training programme. It’s totally free and takes only a few minutes to get started.”

🚀 With a foundation course, market access events, sector-specific webinars, and masterclasses, the UK Export Academy equips businesses with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in international trade. Having access to this type of expertise can be transformational, especially for small businesses venturing into exporting for the first time.

🌐 Export Support from the Department for Business and Trade

The Department for Business and Trade is dedicated to helping Northern Ireland businesses grow internationally by offering a range of programs and resources.

💼 With a network of market specialists across over 100 markets worldwide, DBT’s focus on Northern Ireland is helping to drive local businesses towards global success.

📊 Their team includes Sector Leads in key industries such as Advanced Manufacturing and Technology, Creative Industries, Agri-Food and Drink, and Health and Life Sciences.

🏆 This expertise makes them a valuable partner for businesses seeking to make informed, strategic moves into new international markets. 🌎

🌅 Key Takeaways for #DigitalStrada and Our International Ambitions

For #DigitalStrada, the event was a motivating experience.

💪 Meeting other business owners with similar ambitions was a great reminder of the wealth of support available for those looking to take their services overseas.

🚀 Our vision of providing world-class 3D scanning and virtual tours isn’t limited to the UK; we’re excited about the possibilities of working with clients in various markets who can benefit from immersive 3D experiences.

📸 With the resources from the DBT, the knowledge from the UK Export Academy, and the inspiration from networking with like-minded businesses, we’re energized to pursue our international goals.

🌐 The combination of strategic insights, practical support, and a community of export-minded entrepreneurs has strengthened our resolve to scale globally.

💼 Why Events Like This Matter for Businesses in Northern Ireland

Events like these are essential for Northern Ireland businesses, especially in today’s globalized economy.

🌎 They offer a platform for networking, peer-to-peer learning, and access to valuable information about the export process.

📊 The Department for Business and Trade’s continued support, combined with initiatives like International Trade Week, provides Northern Ireland businesses with the tools needed to thrive beyond borders.

🌐 For any business considering exporting or even expanding into a single international market, I can’t recommend these events enough.

🙌 With practical resources, industry connections, and the invaluable expertise of the DBT team, businesses of all sizes have the chance to take their first (or next) steps towards international growth.

🚀 If you’re thinking about taking your business global, don’t wait. Check out the UK Export Academy and see how its free training program can equip you with the skills and confidence to land your first—or next—overseas deal. 

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