A unique export event for SMEs by SMEsPractical advice from North West organisations that have made a success of developing international markets.Exporting do’s and dont’s, top tips, advice and common-sense straight from the horse’s mouth.

This event is not to be missed if:l You’re interested in exporting but a little unsure of whether to

take that first step. This conference will help you decide fast.l You have some overseas experience but think now may be the

time to get your foot in the door in new markets. This conference will help you expand internationally.

l You would like to make contact with local companies at a similar stage of international development as well as with suppliers of international services.

Book your place online: www.uclan.ac.uk/worldwisebusiness

For enquiries, email worldwisebusiness@uclan.ac.uk

WINNING INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

Westleigh Conference Centre, Preston

WINNING INTERNATIONAL BUSINESSTuesday 29th May Leigh Room, Westleigh Conference Centre, Preston

Event Programme

08:00 - 09:00 Registration, Breakfast and Networking

09:00 - 09:15 WELCOME - Alan Marley, Business Manager, Worldwise Business Services, UCLanEveryone in international business speaks English don’t they? Well, no. And if you want to compete on a level playing field – or even give yourself an advantage - you will need to communicate in the language of your customer. So argues Alan in this light-hearted introduction to the conference. Content focus: International marketing and communication. www.uclan.ac.uk/worldwisebusiness

09:15 - 09:45 Mr Philip Dyer, Chairman, NXO The archetypal entrepreneur and founder of strategic marketing consultancy NXO, Philip has advised on marketing for the benefit of many international companies such as Alsthom Transport, Compass, Sharp and Shell as well as high growth start-ups and SMEs. Philip will kick off by expanding on why international market development should be considered the domain of entrepreneurial SMEs in the North West as well as larger companies elsewhere. Content focus: Entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, risk and return. www.nxo.net

09:45 - 10:15 Ms Melissa Burton, Managing Director, FTF Sweets Sweets that parents recommend! UKTI export prize-winner, Melissa recounts development of the company around a vision of non-allergenic, vegan-friendly, gelatine-free confectionery using natural ingredients that also taste sensational. She reveals how export markets in the Middle East and the US have been developed and future export forays. Content focus: International sales, research and product development. www.goodygoodstuff.com

10:15 - 10:45 Mr Mark Barlow, Chief Executive Officer, AppLearnDevelop a thriving US export market without visiting the country? Impossible? Not so. Hear how AppLearn used technology to do just that, dramatically reducing costs associated with developing export markets. Mark relates his vision of an imminent technological future that supports international marketing and agent/distributor relationships. Content focus: International sales, cost control, training, technology. www.applearn.tv

10:45 - 11:15 BREAK - Refreshments. Opportunity to meet speakers, fellow exporters and suppliers of international products and services.

11:15 - 11:45 Mr Kevin Moseley, Owner and Managing Director, Swim FinTurning down a Dragon’s Den offer is not a good idea. Or is it? Kevin refused the offer and Swim Fin now exports to 70 countries, has new products in the pipeline and a distribution deal with Walmart. A prize-winner at the UKTI export awards and recently returned from Brazil, Kevin reveals all. Content focus: International sales, distribution, intellectual property protection. www.swimfin.co.uk

11:45 - 12:15 Mr Vikas Shah, Joint Managing Director, Swiscot TextilesRecession? What recession? From family owned origins to global textile exporter, Vikas tracks development from a loss making organisation to one that has grown turnover by 120% in the past 4 years. Committed to being “On Time, Every Time”, Vikas considers outstanding international logistics to be a major contributor to the company’s success. Content focus: International sales, distribution and logistics. www.swiscot.com

12:15 - 12:45 Mr Tony Holt, Owner and Director, Line Mark UKSport is riddled with clichés: a game of two halves, crossing the white line…. But ever thought who paints that white line? It may well be Line Mark, winner of the Queen’s Award for Innovation last year. Tony talks about how his company tumbled into export and now expects to double turnover solely from international markets. Content focus: Product innovation, manufacturing, international sales and distribution. www.linemark.co.uk

12:45 - 13:00 CLOSE

13:00 - 14:00 NETWORKING AND LUNCH - Opportunity to meet speakers, fellow exporters and suppliers of international products and services.

Mr Mark Barlow, Chief Executive Officer, AppLearnChief Executive of AppLearn, Mark founded the company based on the premise that user adoption of software matters and that there was a better way to deliver application training and employee communications. He was right. Through AppLearn’s clients which include Bombardier, Ahlstrom, Bodycote, Mercer and GoldCorp the company’s products are found in over 40 countries and 9 languages. Mark is Manchester based.

Ms Melissa Burton, Managing Director, FTF SweetsMelissa came to England’s North West on a University exchange from the USA and liked it so much she’s still here 8 years later. Managing Director of FTF Sweets, Melissa has played a key role in driving forward the Goody Good Stuff brand, launched in 2010, so that it now has retail listings in over 5,500 outlets and export sales in 21 overseas markets. Melissa is based in Heysham, Lancashire.

Mr Philip Dyer, Chairman, NXOPhilip Dyer started his first business in 1986 and went on to form NXO the UK’s first strategic marketing network with consultants across the UK. A former British karate champion, the ethos underpinning Philip’s approach to business has its roots in martial arts – respect; integrity; commitment; tenacity and focus. Philip is President of the Chartered Institute of Marketing in Lancashire, UCLan’s first Entrepreneur in Residence and a chartered member of the international network, TiE.

Mr Tony Holt, Owner and Director, Line Mark UKTony began his working life as a teacher and Head of PE in a Lancashire school. One night, after refereeing a football match but unable to see the lines, he was told by the headmaster that the school didn’t have the budget to mark white lines. He was thus inspired to develop what is now Line Mark UK in 1996. Based in Rawtenstall, Lancashire, the company supplies to many famous sporting venues and exports to 10 countries.

Mr Alan Marley, Business Manager, Worldwise Business Services, UCLanAlan has held a number of senior sales and marketing positions within international organisations including Lloyds Bank International, British Airways, Lionbridge and Capital Safety. His role within the University combines his twin passions of languages and international marketing. Alan is based in Preston, Lancashire.

Mr Kevin Moseley, Owner and Managing Director, Swim FinIn the late 1980s, Kevin was a self-employed swimming instructor. Just for fun, he took a couple of old foam swimming floats and made a fin that could be tied on to his back. The kids loved them. Kevin risked everything to commercialise his “Swim Fin”. He re-mortgaged his house, cashed in his savings and even sold his swim school business. Launched in 2008, Swim Fin is a global success story. Kevin is based in Burscough, Lancashire.

Mr Vikas Shah, Joint Managing Director, Swiscot TextilesAlthough only the tender age of 31, Vikas has already spent 15 years in business, and since joining Swiscot seven years ago, staff levels have risen from 2 to 20 and turnover increased significantly. He has been instrumental in the launch of a variety of successful brands internationally. Vikas is based in Manchester, is on the regional board of TiE, a global entrepreneurship organisation and a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

In association with:

Speaker Profiles

WESTLEIGH CONFERENCE CENTRELea Road, Lea, Preston PR4 0RB - www.uclan.ac.uk/westleigh

By RailWestleigh is situated 3 miles to the north-west of Preston railway station and the city centre. Taxis are located at the station entrance.

By BusWestleigh is served by the Preston Orbit bus service which orbits around the city, 88a (anticlockwise) and 88c (clockwise) with bus stops conveniently located outside Westleigh entrance.

From the railway station

Exit the station through the ticket sales area (main exit/entrance). Walk up the hill and turn left to the bus stop. Take the Orbit 88c bus to Westleigh (approx 20 minutes). Return to the railway station using the Orbit 88a service from the bus stop on the Westleigh side of the road.

From the bus station

Use Orbit 88c to and 88a from Westleigh. From Park and Ride (Bluebell Way) use Orbit 88a to and 88c from Westleigh.

By RoadTravelling down from the North

Leave the M6 at Junction 32, take exit 1 (M55) onto the A6 for Preston. Take the immediate left signposted UCLan Sports Arena (also Ingol, Cottam) along the B6241 for 2.5 miles. At the third roundabout housing the Recycling Depot turn right onto Cottam Way. Continue straight on past one roundabout. At the next roundabout turn left onto Lea Road. Westleigh is on your left after the canal bridge.

Travelling up from the South

Leave the M6 at Junction 32 and follow directions above. Alternatively, exit the M6 at Junction 31a and use the Park & Ride facilities at Bluebell Way.

Car ParkingThere are a number of parking spaces at Westleigh. For more information contact 01772 894500 or email: Westleigh@uclan.ac.uk

We would also invite you to make a charitable donation. 9-9-9 for Mike Riley (9 years, 9 thousand kms, £9,000) Nine years ago years a respected UCLan lecturer, Mike Riley, passed away after contracting motor neurone disease. He was 46 and left a wife and 3 children. The battle to cure this horrendous disease continues. Delegates, partners and exhibitors are invited to make a sponsorship donation through Just Giving. The aim is to travel 9000 kilometres to raise £9,000 on this the ninth anniversary of Mike’s passing. Your support, large or small, would be greatly appreciated and put to good use in fighting this indiscriminate disease. Proceeds will go to the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Please donate at www.justgiving.com/9-9-9formikeriley

The University also supports the Harris Bursary Charity fund which helps financially disadvantaged students to complete their studies. To donate to this charity please visit www.uclan.ac.uk/harrisbursaryfund

Book now: www.uclan.ac.uk/worldwisebusiness Cost: £95 plus VAT inclusive of light breakfast, mid-morning refreshments and light lunch.