Gavin Wheeldon launches Export Box to boost overseas trade

Feb 9 2010 by Henryk Zientek, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Export Box is run through the Google Export Adviser Site and provides a collection of useful tools, best practices and insights to help businesses make informed decisions about exporting opportunities.

The package includes an export evaluation, a profitability assessment, guidance on translation requirements and Google advertising.

Research by Sheffield University shows that the lack of businesses exporting is due to five real and perceived barriers – language, culture and technical barriers; cross-border logistics; cross-border payments; administrative and regulatory barriers; search and advertising.

Said Mr Wheeldon: “With fewer companies exporting because of these barriers, a package like Export Box is vital in altering perceptions. Last time we had a recession, we exported ourselves out of it. However, this does not seem to be the case this time around, hence the thinking behind Export Box.”

And he added: “With the help of a well-respected Yorkshire-based partner such as Grant Thornton, which has an in-depth knowledge of SMEs, we will be able to reach more businesses and help them to explore the opportunities to export.”