International Trade Specialists Open Export Week in the North East
The Institute of Directors in the North East teamed up with UK Trade & Investment to open Export Week in the region with an event at advanced manufacturing specialist, and Square One Law client, Tharsus Group.
Taking place on 10 November, the event highlighted some of the success stories of the region’s exporting companies including Tharsus Group and Air Traffic control solutions business, Copperchase Ltd, based in Cramlington, which exports its technology services to locations such as the Middle East and South America.
Hosted by North East Chairman of the Institute of Directors, Graham Robb, the event also included an Export Panel Discussion, featuring business and export specialists from UKTI, North East Chamber of Commerce and Square One Law.
Tharsus Group is one of the North East’s export success stories with more than 40 percent of its goods sold around the world, primarily to Germany, Italy, France and Spain, but also to countries including Lebanon and China.
The company, which has its specialist production facilities in Blyth, is a pioneer in the field of Original Engineering Design and Manufacture (OEDM).
OEDM is an evolution of the traditional contract manufacturing mode where Tharsus works with companies looking to grow, improve or diversify their product portfolio.
The company take responsibility for part or all of the process from concept design, development and prototyping, technology integration and supply chain management through to final assembly and serial manufacture.
Graham Robb, North East Chairman of the Institute of Directors, said: “It is no accident the North East has the only positive balance of trade in the UK. Its skills, products and services are globally-recognised and in demand. Export Week is an ideal opportunity for businesses that want to emulate the international trade success of companies like Tharsus to learn from their experiences.”
Brian Palmer, Chief Executive of Tharsus Group, said: “Exporting has become a core element of our business. Six years ago we were very locally focused, but the change to our operations and the introduction of OEDM means we have evolved from making components into full products with a CE Mark, which enables us to export globally.”
Square One Law Managing Partner Alan Fletcher who formed part of the export panel said: “Tharsus is a great example of a business that has grown and developed largely as a result of looking beyond its local market and it has been a pleasure to work with them for the last 12 years. I am sure that listening to their story and hearing about the support that is available to exporters from both the professional community and UKTI will inspire others to follow suit.”
Organised by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) in conjunction with partners and business organisations, Export Week aims to encourage companies to take up the export challenge and highlight the wealth of support and knowledge available to help them grow with a host of events across the region.
David Coppock, Regional Director for UK Trade & Investment in the North East, said: “We’re delighted that the IoD and Tharsus helped kick off our latest Export Week initiative. It was an engaging and interesting event, which was set the tone for the rest of the week’s export-related activities.”