Business Competition for Kiwi Exporters

MEDIA RELEASE

August 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UK Trade & Investment Launches UK Business Competition for Kiwi Exporters

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), one of the world’s largest trade organisations, has launched the UK Market Entry business competition to help kiwi companies expand into the UK.

UKTI Spokesperson Paul Wilkinson said “We want to help kiwi companies grow internationally”.

UK-ME competition provides New Zealand companies the chance to win business support packages worth up to $50,000. The packages include complimentary London return airfares, meetings with potential business partners, contacts and networks, free Company, PAYE, VAT registration and immigration advice, and ongoing UKTI & NZTE support.

The competition is supported by New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, HSBC and Oury Clark.

UKTI is the UK Government’s trade development organisation and has a global network of offices. UKTI services include trade development and promotion work for UK and foreign companies. UKTI’s Auckland office provides commercial support and advice to New Zealand companies focussed on the UK market.

Entering the UK Market Entry competition is straight forward. John Waugh, Director of UKTI, said “We’ve deliberately cut the red tape. All companies need to do is register online, and then submit a 2-3 page executive summary”.

John Waugh said “It doesn’t matter what product or service you have or what size your business is. Any New Zealand company thinking of establishing themselves in the UK can enter”.

UKTI spokesperson Paul Wilkinson said “We love working with kiwi companies. We’ve helped many get established in the UK and we’d like to help more. We love their creativity, innovative thinking and energy”.

In 2009, kiwi company TradeMobile received assistance from UKTI to move into the UK market. Previously NZ-based, Trade Mobile relocated its operations to London to take advantage of the sophisticated UK mobile market.

Jen Porter, Founder of TradeMobile Ltd, said “UKTI was instrumental in introducing us to the former Minister of Trade & Industry, Lord Digby Jones, who is now Chairman of TradeMobile. UKTI’s involvement means we’re now enjoying rapid expansion in the UK market”.

Launch events will be held in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland in September. Speakers will include the British High Commissioner Mr. George Fergusson and John Heng, former CEO of Click Clack Ltd. Entrants will also be given a detailed description of the information required for the executive summary.

UKTI helps with trade support services and inward investment development work within the UK. UKTI works closely with New Zealand companies and uses its Investor Development programme to help them establish in the UK and EU markets. This programme provides key information, business contacts and support.

UK-ME is supported by New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, HSBC, and Ouray Clarke.

To enter the UK-Market Entry competition, go to http://www.ukmenz.co.uk/.

To find out more about UKTI, go to http://www.uktradeinvest.co.nz/

To find out more about TradeMobile, go to http://www.trade-mobile.com/

ENDS

BACKGROUNDER

DEADLINES

The UK Market Entry business competition will run between August and November 2010.
Friday 10th September: Closing date for registration and completed application form
Friday 15th October: Closing date for 2-3 page executive summary
Winners will be announced Friday 5th November.

CATEGORIES

UK Expansion: companies with annual revenues exceeding NZD$2million. Prizes include a complimentary return airfare, introductions to UK businesses, free limited company, UK market assessment, a range of specialist advice, guidance on company structure, UK legal and tax matters, meetings with UK regional development agencies and PR coverage in the UK and NZ media.

UK Entrepreneur: companies with annual revenues between NZD$1000 and NZD$2million. Prizes include a complimentary return airfare, introductions to potential business partners and distributors etc, a range of specialist advice, guidance on company structure, UK legal and tax matters, meetings with UK regional development agencies and PR coverage in NZ media.

Companies can only enter under one category.

EVENTS

1. Launch events will be held:
Christchurch (21st September)
Wellington (22nd September)
Auckland (23rd September)

Speakers will include the British High Commissioner, Mr George Fergusson, and well-known New Zealand exporters. For a more detailed event programme go to: http://www.ukmenz.co.uk/UK%20Market%20Entry%20Event%20One%20Programme.html

2. Regional finals will be held:

Christchurch (1st November)
Wellington (2nd November)
Auckland (3rd November)

To enter, companies must be NZ registered and have minimum 50% New Zealand ownership. Companies must not have an office in the UK, and must be post revenue.

© Scoop Media