h2. Bribery Act 2010 – Breakfast Briefing

Doing business internationally can be fraught with difficulties. One of the biggest challenges for UK-based companies is understanding what is regarded as a local custom and the norm within some countries and what is acceptable under the Bribery Act. On 1st July 2011, the long-awaited Bribery Act 2010 came into force with large penalties levied on company directors and the company itself for not complying with the Act. So how does the new Act affect you and your business, and what can you do to put adequate procedures in place to prevent bribery and corruption across your company? This breakfast briefing is aimed at senior executives and business owners who trade internationally.
When: Wednesday 9th November 8.30am – 10.30am
Where: Smith & Williamson, Portwall Place, Portwall Lane, Bristol, BS1 6NA

10 ways to win an export deal – Business Culture Workshop

Not fully understanding and appreciating business culture in other countries and not putting in place an effective export communications plan can be a source of frustration and can lead to costly misunderstandings, valuable time lost and loss of business. This workshop will raise your business cultural awareness, help you avoid the 10 most common mistakes made by exporters and show you how to improve your international outlook and build successful international relationships to win more business.
When: Monday 21st November 9.00am – 12.30pm (including lunch)
Where: Tamar Science Park, Plymouth, PL6 8BT

International Trading Point – International Business Forum

Working with businesses across the South West and nationwide, UK Trade and Investment has helped many organisations and individuals who have achieved incredible international success. But many companies find themselves struggling with an inner battle when balancing the risks, time and effort against the desire and hunger for growth in these economically challenging times, and often feel isolated in dealing with the challenges associated with international trade. International Trading Point is a new forum designed to get to the heart of international trade challenges and point the way to solutions that help companies find new ways to grow their business. Delegates will be encouraged to share their knowledge and experiences with other international trade professionals, listen to specialist trade intermediaries and experts, and have the opportunity to meet one-to-one with experts on the day to help address issues and point the way to new markets and new customers overseas. The forum will include talks from Financial Services, International Marketing, High Growth Skills, UKTI, and China Britain Business Council organisations.
When: Wednesday 23rd November 9.00am – 4.30pm (including lunch)
Where: Yeovil Innovation Centre, Barracks Close, Copse Road, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 8RN

Doing Business Abroad – Getting Started

This workshop addresses six key, critical questions for new exporters. The format is very interaction between delegates and focuses on the particular businesses the delegates represent, focussing on development of their ability to communicate their business proposition to the market ie clarity of proposition, international suitability of website and export communication, planning and development of their resource base, including budgeting and time planning, development of their market knowledge, including decisions about target market, especially through internet research.
When: Tuesday 29th November 9.00am – 4.30pm (including lunch)
Where: Peninsula Enterprise, Agriculture House, Blackbrook Business Park, Taunton, TA1 2FU

Managing Intellectual Property, Licensing and Franchising

Managing Intellectual Property (IPR) is an essential skill for achieving international business success. Every business owns IP and those companies that protect and understand how to utilise their IPR gain a significant competitive advantage especially in the current economic climate. This workshop explains the main aspects of IP (trade marks, patents, designs and copyright) and reveals how to manage and take ownership of your IP to ensure you are protected in today’s global market while also achieving maximum commercial benefit from your assets. Established businesses often have a wealth of IP assets which have been built up over the years. These assets are property i.e. can be bought, sold, licensed and therefore have a value and should be protected in order to realise this value. This can be especially important when it comes to forming contracts for licensing, franchising or even when planning to sell a business.
When: Monday 5th December 9.00am – 12.30pm (including lunch)
Where: Peninsula Enterprise, Agriculture House, Blackbrook Business Park, Taunton, TA1 2FU

Boosting International Business Online

What opportunities are there in the utilisation of digital marketing and optimising social media to market your products and services to boost your international trade? What are the risks of missing out on this media phenomenon? Building the knowledge, skills and confidence, and mastering the latest digital marketing techniques and technology is one of the major challenges facing UK-based companies when doing business abroad. This interactive workshop is designed for companies who are currently engaged or plan to be more proactive in doing business abroad and want to learn more about how to develop an effective digital marketing strategy and plan.
When: Tuesday 6th December 9.00am – 12.30pm (including lunch)
Where: Yeovil Innovation Centre, Barracks Close, Copse Road, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 8RN

To register a place at any of these events contact Sue Sue Hensman, Peninsular Enterprise,

0871 641 2119 ext 8254 Sue.hensman@peninsula-enterprise.co.uk

With 2,400 staff and a presence in 96 countries, UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) are experts in providing trade advice and practical support to UK-based companies wanting to grow their business overseas.

These events are free to UK-based companies in the South West who meet European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) funding criteria.