The Open Forum sessions have in recent years proved to be extremely popular. As before we will welcome a panel of experts to address important and topical issues. The committee are pleased to announce that Lord Smith, Jim Hume, Charles Stewart and Fiona Williams have agreed to sit on the panel.

 Scottish Borders Exporters Association
 
Thursday, 3rd June 2010 - 6.15 for 6.30 p.m.
Venue: The George & Abbotsford Hotel, Melrose

- Recovery through Exports, Enterprise, & Expertise -

If we are to believe the statistics the recovery from the recession is underway, albeit very slowly. Also, the pound remains favourably weak against the US dollar and the Euro. So, does this create opportunities for exporters based in the Scottish Borders? Well, we know of exporters in the Borders who have actually increased sales of their products and services in the last two years but overall, despite the weak pound, export sales from the UK have not grown as much as the government had anticipated. 

It is widely recognised that exports from the Scottish Borders are of the highest quality. However, although our products are renowned the world over we continue to face with very strong competition from the Far East. To survive, Borders based businesses are demonstrating tremendous enterprise in design and originality. We are fortunate in the Borders to have the expertise to create attractive and unique designs, not only in textiles and knitwear but in many other products and services. For example, Craft & Gifts, Consultancy, IT. Exports via the Internet are also on the increase. What are you doing to export your way out of the recession? What can exporters do to catch a ride on the wave of recovery?

For this Open Forum evening we are very fortunate to have a distinguished panel of experts:

Lord Robert Smith, Chairman of the Weir Group plc., also the Commonwealth Games 2014 Organising Committee, and much more

Jim Hume, MSP, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Member of the European and External Relations Committee

Charles Stewart, Chief Executive Officer, Holland and Sherry

Fiona Williams, International Senior Executive, Scottish Development International

These Open Forum sessions have become a very popular fixture in our programme. As always, we will hear from the panel sound advice and words of support for exporters. Members and guests will be encouraged to put questions to the panel and to share their own recent experiences.

As usual, this Scottish Borders Exporters Association event is open to anyone whether they are involved in international trade or not. Manufacturers, IT, designers, service providers, everyone is welcome. There is no charge for attending. The presentations will be followed by a finger buffet giving you the opportunity to exchange views and news with the speakers, members and guests. We look forward to welcoming you.

Please let us know if you plan on attending this meeting by sending an e-mail to admin@borders-export.co.uk or call 01 896 830 505.

AGENDA

Time (p.m.)                  Topic                                                      Speaker

6.15 for 6.30 p.m.    Arrival - tea & Coffee

6.30                          Welcome and Introductions                     Mike Wilson, Club Captain
 
                                  Panellists                                                 Lord Robert Smith
 
                                                                                                  Jim Hume, MSP

                                                                                                  Charles Stewart, Holland & Sherry          

                                                                                                  Fiona Williams, SDI      
                                  Vote of thanks                                             

8.30 - 9.30                Buffet Supper and networking

Do not miss an excellent opportunity - Many of the benefits to be gained from attending an Export Club meeting come through the networking opportunities that present themselves after the meeting. Plan your evening such that you can stay until around 9.30 p.m., enjoy the excellent buffet provided at the G&A, and meet your fellow exporters.

Reply form

                                                a) I shall/shall not attend the Club meeting, 3rd June 2010

                                                      Name ________________________

                                                     Company ________________________

                                                b) I shall send ________________________ in my place

                                                c) I/he/she will be accompanied by:

                                                     Name ________________________

                                                     Company ________________________

 
Club contacts:

Captain & Executive Co-ordinator : Mike Wilson,
Tel: (01 896) 830 505   admin@borders-export.co.uk
 
Vice Captain: Sally Scott Aiton
Tel: 01 573 410 607 cobwebdesigns@lineone.net