Success of BHETA’s Slovenia Export visit sets precedent for future trade missions
BHETA’s export mission to Ljubljana in Slovenia proved such a success that it is to form the model for similar future events, including an export visit to Romania is April 2018. The event, which took place 8-10 October included a networking conference, a ‘Meet the Buyer’ event and a tour of key retail stores as well as a brewery visit and tickets to the Scotland v. Slovenia Word Cup qualifier.
The conference and subsequent ‘Meet the Buyer’ event brought together retailers and distributors from across the Balkan States to meet UK suppliers from the home improvement, utility housewares (storage, laundry, and cleaning) and garden markets. It was organised by the British – Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and included discussions on BREXIT, a presentation by the CBI and a resume of opportunities for doing business in Slovenia and the Balkans. The area is serviced by home improvement retailers including Merkur, Topdom, OBI and Bauhaus among others.
BHETA’s Home Improvement Sector Director, Paul Grinsell commented, “This was a productive visit. Not only were the collective events excellent, but individual delegates were able to take advantage of one on one conversations, resulting is some very positive leads. It was also great news that the leading home improvement retailer, Merkur has agreed to come over to the UK and speak at a future BHETA forum to go into more detail about its desire to trade with UK suppliers.”
The BHETA members joining Paul on the mission were Gorilla Glue, Dualit, STV Pest Control, Stand Safe, Benross Group and Croydex. The trip is the first of a series of such events being organised since the formation of BHETA’s Export Committee. This was formed to drive initiatives in support of the export opportunities throughout the BHETA membership, supporting members either to start exporting or to build their existing export business. It is working with the DIT and the international Chambers of Commerce to explore opportunities for overseas missions such as this one, international shows, and grant availability.
Will Jones, Housewares Sector Director of BHETA and a member of the Export Committee added,“The home market is currently challenging and export is an important potential diversification. BHETA’s planned programme of overseas assistance is very exciting and we are looking to offer more trips to members with similar added value and achievable price.”
For more information about, BHETA membership and the BHETA Export Committee, contact the Member Services Team on 0121 237 1130.
Source: BHETA
October 2017