International Export Challenge launched
Invest Northern Ireland and British Airways have come together to offer local companies a unique opportunity to win flights, accommodation and market research as part of an International Export Challenge.
The competition, launched by Alastair Hamilton, Invest NI Chief Executive and Brenda Morgan, British Airways Partnership Manager for Northern Ireland will provide a unique package of support for five companies to help them identify new opportunities in international markets.
Speaking about the competition Mr Hamilton said: “Supporting first time exporters and more experienced exporters to identify new markets and reach new customers is a core part of our role and central to strengthening the local economy.
“By joining forces with British Airways to offer a tailored package of advice, flights and accommodation, we hope to encourage more businesses to look to international markets to help their business grow.”
To enter the competition companies must complete an application form, which includes export plans and rationale for the approach taken. The competition has three categories: inexperienced exporter; small company (less than 50 employees); and medium company (51-249 employees).
Brenda Morgan, British Airways Partnership Manager for Northern Ireland said: “We are delighted to be working with Invest NI on this exciting competition to offer local companies the opportunity to grow their business into new export markets.
“At British Airways we provide local passengers with a vital artery for the flow of business and commerce through our daily service of up to six flights a day from Belfast City to London Heathrow. This route also offers customers excellent connectivity to our global network of almost 130 destinations, making doing international business easier than ever before and helping us to connect companies across the world.”
The five winning companies will each receive:
- Free market research conducted by Invest NI for the selected market.
- Two return flights to selected market.
- Free accommodation for up to four nights while in market for a maximum of two visits.
- Support to arrange and execute a market visit schedule.
Full details of the competition, the prizes and the terms and conditions are available at www.investni.com/exportchallenge. The closing date for applications is 4pm on Friday 21 February 2014.
