DIT hosts international marketing masterclass this Friday May 18

Oxfordshire businesses can learn to brand their businesses for international success with a masterclass in Oxford this Friday from an international marketing expert.

The ‘Brand your Business for International Sales’ masterclass will be hosted by Andrew Griffiths, the author of 13 bestselling business books on marketing and strategy for small businesses, currently sold in more than 60 countries worldwide.

The full-day event is organised as part of the South East International Business Growth project which is supported by the Department for International Trade (DIT) and the European Regional Development Fund. It aims to equip SMEs in West Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey and Oxfordshire with the skills they need to succeed overseas.

Through an interactive workshop, Andrew will offer firms practical advice on how they make their brand appeal to overseas audiences, as well as how they can develop their online marketing strategy and avoid common branding mistakes.

The event is open to all companies looking to either begin or build on their current relationships with overseas markets.

The masterclass is being run as one part of DIT’s Exporting is GREAT campaign, which is currently showcasing more than 30 businesses from across a range of sectors and regions to inspire and support firms up and down the country to export.

In addition to running events and seminars, DIT has a network of International Trade Advisers based on the ground across the South East, dedicated to helping firms start or grow their exporting activity.  One South East company that has benefitted from the support of DIT’s Trade Advisers is Surrey-based software developers, Monochrome.

Ben Raby, Regional Director, South East of England, Department for International Trade, said: “There is currently a huge demand for British goods overseas, and the South East is no exception. Last year, exports from the region totalled an impressive £45.2bn, an increase of 10.9% on 2016.

“Marketing is a key aspect of any successful business strategy, especially for businesses looking to export. In an increasingly digital business environment, many firms will reach customers overseas through e-commerce platforms, and companies must be aware of how their strategy operates online, as well as on the ground.

“Andrew Griffiths’ masterclass will offer a unique opportunity for businesses of all sizes to gain some of the skills they’ll need for international success. I urge all who are interested to sign up and see how they can make the most of the increased profitability and resilience that exporting can bring.”

Businesses looking for support should call 0330 3000 012 or email info@tradesoutheast.com. They can also visit great.gov.uk, which has over 800 live export opportunities currently listed and includes general information on exporting and events.

The Brand Your Business for International Sales masterclass will be taking place at the Holiday Inn, Peartree Roundabout, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 8JD on the 18^th of May 2018. Firms interested in attending should register online through Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/brand-your-business-for-international-sales-masterclass-oxford-180518-registration-44983574081) or contact the DIT South East Events Team on 0330 3000 013/events@tradesoutheast.com