Leading figures from the UK pet industry were among the delegates and speakers at conference on The Future for International Trade, held in Stratford Upon Avon yesterday (March 12). The event was organised by leading trade associations, PetQuip, Gardenex and BHETA.
One of the successful exporting businesses that gave an export case study presentation was pet care hygiene product manufacturer Group55, a long-standing member of PetQuip. The company’s managaing director, Stephen Turner, gave a presentation on how Group55 had reached the position where its products are now sold in over 50 channels in 50 countries.
In his advice for ‘preparing to export’, Stephen emphasised the importance of using every available research resource, being organisationally prepared and gaining awareness of regulations and the possible need for product alignment.
Further guidance and in-depth export information and advice was provided during the one-day conference by a wide range of experienced export service providers and experts specialising in transport, logistics, economics and business forecasts, international business law, plus worldwide retail and consumer trends. Leading exhibition organisers, government advisors and many more were also on hand to advise delegates.
Commenting after the event, director general of PetQuip and Gardenex Amanda Sizer Barrett said: “Our aim in organising the conference was to assure businesses in our product sectors that – regardless of the outcome of the protracted discussions on our country’s departure from the European Union – there is a raft of expert help and guidance available through our trade associations to help smooth the path for continued export growth.
“Trading internationally remains an important element of the majority of companies’ long term stability and success, and suppliers in the pet product sector can be assured that in PetQuip they have direct access to a dedicated team that is experienced in worldwide exporting.
“Other examples of our export work on behalf of British pet product firms are taking place imminently: during March, PetQuip is organising the British exhibitor group at Global Pet Expo in Florida and has arranged for pet buyers from Dubai and Lithuania to meet with UK suppliers at a ‘Meet the International Buyers’ event on March 27. Then, at the beginning of May, the association will be organising the British pavilion at Zoomark in Bologna, Italy.”
Companies that would like to benefit from the comprehensive range of advice, business benefits and services that PetQuip offers its member firms can contact the PetQuip team by phone or email.
