Hampshire: South East companies head to Turkey on UKTI mission

Fifteen South East companies have landed in Turkey this week in an effort to boost exports.

The mission has been organised by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) South East to help companies explore the prospects in what is one of the fastest-growing markets in the world.

Over £441 million worth of goods were exported to Turkey from the South East in 2014.

During the mission companies will have the opportunity to take part in high-level networking events with technology, renewable energy and healthcare companies and meet with potential local partners and companies one to one.

The companies will also take part in a special networking reception at the British Consulate in Istanbul with minister for trade and investment Lord Livingston.

Livingston said: “The Turkish government is aiming to break into the world’s top-10 economies by 2023, and with trade between the UK and Turkey now worth over £10 billion a year the opportunities for UK companies are huge.

"We need to continue this success and market visits like this can be great door-openers for UK companies, so it is exciting to see the businesses on the trip seizing the initiative.”

Hampshire-based manufacturers, Permabond Engineering Adhesives, was among those that secured a place on the weeklong trip.

The company, a leading manufacturer of engineering adhesives used in industries ranging from aerospace and automotive to medical devices and electronics, hopes to identify manufacturers and distributors in Turkey.

The ISO-accredited company, which employs 20 people in Winchester and has offices in several countries, already exports to the US, Europe and South East Asia and is keen to focus on Turkey as part of its international strategy.

Anne Newberry, business development specialist, said: “We are very excited to be exploring new business opportunities in Turkey, which is a rapidly-expanding market and has great potential for Permabond through the major growth of the manufacturing sector in this region.

“Being part of an official UKTI mission allows us to consolidate existing business links and develop new commercial relationships.

“Permabond has been making steady progress with product testing and approval in the rail infrastructure industry both in Europe and South East Asia.  The modernisation of the Turkish rail system, with the introduction of high-speed links and the recent completion of the Marmaray project, reinforce the potential offered by developing closer links in this sector.”

Lev Denker, Turkey expert for UKTI South East, who is leading the mission, said: "Joining UKTI on a mission offers companies a certain kudos.

"During the past 12 years Turkey has experienced rapid growth, with the national GDP trebling to $820b while the public debt has reduced by 36%.

“This sustainable growth indicates that Turkey is well on its way to becoming one of the largest economies in the world. What this means to UK companies is that Turkey is a very buoyant market where there is a high demand and need in all sectors, from consumer goods to industrial products as well as services. Generally speaking, Britain and its companies are very highly regarded in Turkey. Alongside this, Turkey offers a springboard to the markets of Central Asia and the Middle East."

Twenty four companies in total will be on the mission. They will be in Istanbul February 23-27, in what is the fifth mission that UKTI South East has run to Turkey in the past seven years.