Piran
Littleton, managing director of Bishop’s Castle manufacturing firm
Jesmonite, took to the stage for the British Chambers of Commerce’s
‘Driving International Trade’ conference.
The
event, which included an address from foreign secretary David Lammy
who pledged a closer working relationship with UK business, brought
together representatives from more than 30 chambers of commerce
across the UK and overseas.
Mr
Littleton, who has worked closely with his team to increase exports
and achieve significant milestones including the Queen’s Award for
International Trade and Global Britain Business of the Year, was part
of a panel exploring how exporters can navigate the local business
environment in their strategic target markets.
He
was joined by Jason Morris, vice president of the British Chambers of
Business in South Africa; Katy Holmes, chief executive of the British
Chamber of Commerce in Dubai; and David Weatherhead, regional trade
director at Lloyds.
Jesmonite
produces a world-leading compound material – an acrylic-modified
gypsum composite – used by millions of people including artists to
make products from homewares to jewellery to large construction
projects including landmark buildings and developments.
The
Shropshire company has business and distribution hubs in Europe and
America, and has set out to develop relationships with chamber of
commerce organisations around the world.
Mr
Littleton spoke about strategic decisions and practical challenges
involved in entering new markets, outlining his company’s approach
to strategic decision-making, and practical lessons other
manufacturers could learn from the experience.
He
said: “The aim of the discussion was to provide business leaders
with actionable strategies and practical tools to successfully
navigate local business environments in strategic international
markets.
“Every
market is unique, presenting distinct opportunities and challenges,
and. expanding into new regions requires in-depth knowledge of local
business environments, regulatory frameworks, and effective financial
and legal strategies.”
The
message from the panel was that there is no one-size-fits-all
approach to international expansion, which requires a tailored
approach.
Mr
Littleton said: “At Jesmonite, we are really keen to ensure we work
closely with trading partners so that we can adjust branding to suit
the country.
“This
means protecting intellectual property and trademarks and choosing
your partners wisely – ideally working with those that match your
company’s own ethos and aspirations.”
In
her keynote address, BCC director general Shavaun Haviland said UK
businesses were calling out for a pragmatic, growth-driven package of
improvements to the UK/EU trading relationship.