Female business owners and women who are self-employed in Burton are to get help to grow their businesses through finding new customers abroad.

Two guest speakers with knowledge and experience of how businesses can begin exporting to other countries will be sharing their stories and practical advice with women who attend the next meeting of Burton-on-Trent’s WiRE networking group group on Wednesday July 26, from 7pm to 9pm at The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Union Street.

Christine Hancock, an international trade adviser for the Department for International Trade (DiT), will talk about how businesses can start selling services and products outside the UK.

Christine said: “Many businesses think exporting is just for manufacturing companies, but companies that provide services can find customers abroad too. If you have a product or service that is performing well at home, then there will almost certainly be a demand for it overseas. The UK accounts for just 1/20th of the world’s economy, so confining your business to the domestic market is overlooking a huge potential.”

The DIT offers a broad range of support including developing an action plan, business opportunities, market research and introductions, digital and cultural advice and much more.

Also sharing her story on the night will be Deborah Leary OBE, Chief Executive of Birmingham-based Forensic Pathways, who develop software products for criminal and security organisations. She started the business in 2001 and has been exporting ever since.

She explained: “We’ve always championed the work that the DiT has done. They’ve been very, very helpful to us and a good resource to go to.”

The DiT has appointed Deborah as an Export Champion to offer her expertise and advice to inspire companies across the Midlands to export. She also supports existing exporters looking to expand into new markets.

Any women who work, for themselves or others, can attend the meeting. It will cost £8 on the door for non WiRE members and £5 for WiRE members. Book your place if you want to join us at https://www.wireuk.org/events/could-your-business-sell-overseas