This event has now taken place. It attracted businesses from across Bedfordshire region. View the full press release
Together with our regional partners, the University of Bedfordshire is hosting a “Beyond Borders: Accelerating business growth on a global scale” event on Tuesday 30th January 2024 from 10am – 12.30pm at our Bedford Campus.
Join us to hear from industry experts and professionals who will share insights and strategies necessary for expanding businesses beyond familiar horizons. You will also get an opportunity to delve into the practical aspects of international business expansion, gaining a toolkit to overcome challenges and capitalise on opportunities.
Event highlights:
- Expert Insights: A panel of industry experts will share first-hand knowledge on navigating the complexities of global markets
- Success Stories: Hear from an international chemical business who've successfully expanded globally, learning from their triumphs and challenges
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded professionals, creating opportunities for collaboration and growth
Our guest speakers include:
- Department for Business & Trade
- UK Export Finance
- Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce
- Innovate UK Edge
- Barclays Bank
- University of Bedfordshire's Business School
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Start time: 9.30am End time: 10.00am (30 minutes) |
Activity: Arrival, networking & refreshments |
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Start time: 10.00am End time: 10.10am (10 minutes) |
Item 1 | Welcome, housekeeping, introductions & brief overview Speaker: Nathan March – Senior Business Partnerships Manager, University of Bedfordshire |
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Start time: 10.10am End time: 10.25am (15 minutes) |
Item 2 | Department for Business & Trade: Growing business beyond our borders Delegates will hear from the UK’s Department for Business & Trade, learning about:
Speaker: Rob Lewtas – Strategic Partner Manager, Southern England, Department for Business and Trade |
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Start time: 10.25am End time: 10.40am (15 minutes) |
Item 3 | Growth through International Trade Delegates will hear from Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, learning about:
Speaker: Justin Richardson – CEO, Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce |
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Start time: 10.40am End time: 10.55am (15 minutes) |
Item 4 | Cultural Intelligence when trading internationally You will hear from one of University of Bedfordshire’s experts, learning about:
Speaker: Dr Markus Haag, Senior Lecturer in Management, University of Bedfordshire |
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Start time: 10.55am End time: 11.05am (10 minutes)
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Item 5 | Business Spotlight Delegates will hear from the CEO of Acuigen, a successful international business - who will share his insight on the benefits and challenges experienced whilst trading internationally. Speaker: Dr Derek Jones – CEO, Acuigen |
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Start time: 11.05am End time: 11.20am (15 minutes) |
Break |
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Start time: 11.20am End time: 11.35am (15 minutes) |
Item 6 | Accessing Finance for international trade You will hear from UK Export Finance, learning about:
Speaker: Jo Archer – Export Finance Manager for Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire, UK Export Finance |
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Start time: 11.35am End time: 11.50am (15 minutes) |
Item 7 | Growing globally You will hear from Barclays expert, learning about:
Speaker: Paul Bowman – Vertical Head of International, Specialist Client Solutions, Barclays |
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Start time: 11.50am End time: 12.05pm (15 minutes) |
Item 8 | How Innovate UK EDGE can help you make connections to partners and leverage insights to expand into international markets You will Innovate UK Edge expert, learning about innovation support for internationally focused commercial growth. Speaker: Richard Carey-Evans - Innovation & growth specialist, Innovate UK Edge |
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Start time: 12.05pm End time: 12.15pm (10 minutes) |
Item 9 | Overview of the University’s business support and event wrap-up Opportunity for you to hear about the available support initiatives from the University of Bedfordshire. Speaker: Nathan March – Senior Business Partnerships Manager, University of Bedfordshire |
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Start time: 12.15pm End time: 1.15pm (1 hour)
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Activity: Networking |