Eight export champions for Wales have been announced by the UK Government.
In a voluntary role assisting the Department for International Trade (DIT), the champions will promote the benefits of exporting and encourage other companies to consider trading, and in particular selling, to overseas markets.
Welsh exporters have shown resilience and agility in the last few years in the face of challenges such as the pandemic, Brexit, and the cost of living and cost of doing business crises.
Despite losing almost 25% of international trade during the first year of the pandemic, goods exports have recovered beyond pre-pandemic levels and look set to continue performing well on an upwards trajectory.
The value of goods exports from Wales was £18.4bn for the year ending June 2022, an increase of £4.9bn (36.7%) compared to the previous year. Exports to EU countries increased by £2.5bn and exports to non-EU countries increased by £2.4bn.
The new export champions represent a wide range of sectors and will support Welsh businesses looking to export by providing advice and sharing their exporting stories in DIT events.
Among the champions are Kamal Ali, CEO of My Salah Mat, and Stephen Davies, Chief Executive of Penderyn Distillery, finalists and winners at the Wales Business Awards 2022 respectively.
The champions also include: Rosie Davies, Rees Machinery Group; Paola Dyborski-Bryant, Dr Zigs; Alison Lea-Wilson, Halen Môn/Anglesey Sea Salt; John Pattinson, Air Covers; Tee Sandhu, Samosa Co; and Sina Yamani, Yoello.
In addition to the advice offered by the export champions, Welsh businesses can also access specialist export support from the Welsh Government and Business Wales through their Export Hub.
Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid’s trade team is also able to help. With extensive experience in supporting internationally trading businesses, the Chamber’s team is able to curate end-to-end solutions and supply chain connectivity across global markets.
The Chamber, as a dedicated customs intermediary, helps businesses manage documentation to ensure compliance at every stage of exporting and keep goods moving, as well as offering export training opportunities to upskill traders.
