Latest Business News

Overseas visit brings new opportunities

Wednesday, 27 January, 2010

An international trade delegation visited Telford to gain a better understanding of the town's thriving business community - and hopefully trigger new investment opportunities.

Officials from North America, Australia, Japan, China, Scandinavia, India and a host of countries in mainland Europe were among the group which met some of Telford's big-name overseas investors.

The aim of the visit, organised by Advantage West Midlands, was to give its overseas agents the chance to gain an in-depth understanding of Telford's strengths and capabilities, and build up links with local economic development teams.

Phil Challinor, One Telford's Business Development Manager, said: "This was a wonderful opportunity to showcase Telford as a prime location for overseas investment. AWM has representatives in many overseas countries who are working to bring business investment into the region.

"The team had the chance to visit a wide range of facilities, including large overseas investors such as Epson, the e-Innovation Centre at Priorslee, the new Telford railfreight terminal, and the birthplace of industry, Ironbridge.

"As a result of this visit, they should now have a much better understanding of why Telford's blend of international businesses, coupled with its support structure, makes it a prime candidate for more overseas investment. They also left the town with a host of new contacts which will allow them to co-ordinate fresh business development activities for Telford, and generate new inward investment leads across the world."

Robbie Beak, from Advantage West Midlands, said: "We are very pleased that businesses from all over Telford, and the wider West Midlands, agreed to take part in such an important project, and we're hoping the visit will lead to a real increase in overseas contracts for the area."

Pic: Members of the international trade delegation on the Iron Bridge