From Tyneside to Tokyo

Freelancers from across the North East are being offered the chance to sell their services in Japan as 'Trade Missions North East' organises its annual Trade Mission to Japan - and they have told UKTECH that size is not important when it comes to assessing which businesses can participate.

Trade Missions North East has organised missions to Japan on an annual basis for many years and this year's trip, (September 6-13, 2003) coincides with a new campaign "Innovation UK", which aims to promote British capability in science, design and hi-tech areas such as biotechnology and IT.

UKTECH asked Trade Mission North East if there was scope for freelancers to apply. They told us: "There is no discrepancy or discrimination because of size. It doesn't matter if you are a multi-national or a one-man band, if you think that you can do business in Japan, then you can qualify.

"Small companies or freelancers shouldn't be put off from applying. Sometimes having a specific skill or a niche market can be an advantage."

The mission will be centred around Tokyo and delegates will have the opportunity to visit other key cities and a group visit to Osaka can be included if demand warrants it.

These trade missions claim to offer a well-proven route to export success, allowing companies to explore new markets for their goods and services and the chance to meet already established potential contacts. However, they often seem unattainable to the small companies. UKTECH will be publishing details of overseas trade missions which could interest freelancers - starting with this mission to Japan.

Steve Courtney, Head of International Trade at Trade Missions North East, said: "The Japanese market has opened up steadily in most sectors over the past 15 to 20 years and many UK companies already successfully export a range of goods and services.

"There are still many opportunities for North East companies to join them with demand in a wide range of sectors from the aerospace and automotive industries to leisure and tourism, oil and gas and textiles.

"The mission offers an ideal opportunity for companies to explore these opportunities and meet potential customers face-to-face, which is often a vital part of securing business in Japan - they like to get to know who they're doing business with."

Outward Missions Programme

Trade Partners UK provides support and help for almost 400 business visits each year through the Outward Missions Programme. This offers an extensive framework of both practical and financial help for UK businesses travelling abroad as part of a group to markets outside western Europe, to promote UK goods and services.

Benefits include travel grants, discounted travel packages, briefing meetings in the UK and the markets visited, close liaison with the commercial sections of the British Embassies, market research packages, networking opportunities between members on a mission as well as the full range of Trade Partners UK help and assistance from the International Trade Teams available through the Business Links network.

The Trade Mission to Japan will depart the UK on September 6, 2003 and costs £1,550, but there is a Trade Partners UK grant of £700 available towards travel costs. The package includes airfare and six nights accommodation with breakfast at the Palace Hotel, in Tokyo, all transfers and taxes.

For more information or to reserve your place on the mission contact Trade Missions North East Coordinator on 01642 341403.