Published on : Monday, March 31, 2014
The Chancellor’s March 19th budget announcements made it very clear that export is a key component of the UK’s future growth strategy. This commitment to export support was reinforced at a recent event at Furniture Makers’ Hall where over 50 furniture manufacturers and designers were updated on the latest design led export opportunities. The seminar, resulting from collaboration between 100% Design, the British Furniture Confederation and United Kingdom Trade and Investment (UKTI), delivered a clear message. UKTI is creating awareness and providing support BUT industry needs to explore and take advantage of the many international opportunities available.
High Value Opportunities
UKTI presented the concept of its High Value Opportunities (HVO) programme which focuses on 100 projects worldwide each of which are over £500m in budget value and where the UK can compete for at least £250m. Its aim is to focus its resources to help UK businesses secure a proportion of these opportunities and, with projects featuring the development of airports, health facilities, sports stadia and urban regeneration, the UK furniture sector should have much to gain.
Examples of current, high profile opportunities include:
• Massive refurbishment of gaming and retail developments in Macau
• Airport developments in Dubai and a brand new multi-billion dollar programme in Abu Dhabi entitled the Midfield Terminal Complex (MTC), which will provide a full terminal building, passenger and cargo facilities, and duty free shops and restaurants.
• There is huge investment in supporting the infrastructure for Rio 2016 will include critical upgrades to the airports, ports and investment in transport to the sports venues.
Companies wishing to explore these opportunities further are advised to contact their local UKTI International Trade Adviser who will be in a position to support their ambitions and to understand the HVO opportunities relevant to their specific business.
It is also advisable to sign up to UKTI’s website for alerts on all prospective business opportunities (including HVOs) and to link up with HVO business specialists or project managers to make the next step into being considered for HVO related opportunities.
Tags: British Furniture Confederation, High Value Opportunities (HVO) programme, ukti
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