Leading figures from the UK pet supply industry were among the delegates and speakers at the conference on The Future for International Trade, held in Stratford upon Avon. The event was organised by leading trade associations, PetQuip, Gardenex, and BHETA.
One of the successful businesses that gave an export case study presentation was pet care hygiene product manufacturer Group55, a long-standing member of PetQuip.
The company’s managing director, Stephen Turner, gave an inspiring presentation on how Group55 had developed international sales to the position today where its products are now sold in over 50 channels in over 50 countries.
In his advice on ‘preparing to export’, Stephen emphasised the importance of using every available research resource, being organisationally prepared and gaining awareness of regulations and the possible need for product alignment in different markets.
During the day the packed audience enjoyed a number of highly informative presentations that investigated the possible paths that the convoluted Brexit negotiations could take and their effects on British exporters.
The opening speaker was John Arnold, a Government lobbyist with an in-depth knowledge of government and the political scene, who provided a fascinating and entertaining backdrop to the current political situation. There were then incisive and illuminating presentations from international trade consultant Strong and Herd, Rathbone Investment Management and the director of legal advisors Dechert LLP, which has a top international trade for business department.
Richard Tauwhare of Dechert commented after the event: “I thought it was a really first-class event, with a great line up of speakers, lively discussion, excellent networking opportunities, some very interesting experts available for consultation and highly efficient administration. I enjoyed meeting some of the delegates, from a fascinating range of backgrounds, and learning from the other presenters, particularly the case studies, which really help to bring the issues to life.
Moving the focus to the long term future opportunities in export, Euromonitor explored global megatrends and the effect they have in shaping product design and retail developments in consumer markets worldwide.
Further guidance and in-depth export information and advice was provided throughout the one-day conference by a wide range of experienced export service providers and experts specialising in translations, logistics, trend analysis, business travel and research grants among many. Representatives from the DiT and trade exhibitions were also on hand, and Glee was the event’s industry sponsor.
Commenting after the event, director general of PetQuip and Gardenex, Amanda Sizer Barrett said: “Our aim in organising the conference was to assure businesses in our product sectors that -- regardless of the outcome of the protracted discussions on our country’s departure from the European Union -- there is a raft of expert help and guidance available through our trade associations and our wide range of associate service providers to help smooth the path for continued export growth in the long term. Trading internationally remains an important element of the majority of companies’ long term stability and success, and suppliers in the pet supplies sector can be assured that in PetQuip they have direct access to a dedicated team that is delivering essential advice, exclusive research, business information and international sales contacts that current member companies are turning into new business globally.
“New export initiatives we are delivering are hard on the conference’s heels: this month PetQuip is organising the British exhibitor group at Global Pet Expo in Florida and has arranged for pet buyers from Dubai and Lithuania to meet with UK suppliers at a ‘Meet the International Buyers’ event on 27 March. Then, at the beginning of May, the association will be organising the British pavilion at Zoomark in Bologna, Italy.”
