Spotlight on Sweden: 28th March – 1st April 2010

International Business Wales (IBW) offers Wales based companies the opportunity to:
• Explore business potential in Sweden
• Identify partners in the market that will assist you to build sales
• Increase your existing business in Sweden
• Combine a bespoke ITO meeting agenda with the advantages of a trade mission

IBW has put together a combined package of support aimed at clients who are looking to win new, or grow existing, business in Sweden.
The mission is open to Welsh companies looking for new business in Sweden as well as Welsh companies with existing business looking to expand or strengthen relationships.

THE COST:
You have the choice of two options:
1. Mission Only £375 - includes return flights to Stockholm, 4 nights in Scandic Sergel Plaza Hotel with breakfast included, transfer to and from airport to hotel, inmarket activities (eg business forum)
2. ITO-Plus Mission £925 –includes all of the above plus a bespoke ITO market investigation and pre-arranged meeting programme.
Internal transportation to and from meetings, plus meals, are at delegates’ cost.
Please note, this subsidised price is limited to one representative per company. Places on this mission are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. The deadline for applications is Friday 12 February 2010.

THE OPPORTUNITY:
The Swedish market is one of the most sophisticated and technologically advanced markets in Europe. Today, it represents the UK’s ninth largest export market and the UK is Sweden’s third largest supplier. To assist Welsh companies that wish to develop, or increase exports to Sweden, International Business Wales offers a unique opportunity to explore this strong export market. Many Welsh companies have already secured substantial business in this region through the ITO programme over the last few years, and almost two-thirds of total business gained in the near markets has been achieved in Scandinavia.
The Swedes have a reputation for innovation and are committed to exploiting new technology, setting trends, and trying out new products. Sweden has earned its name as one of the top most globalised countries in the world.
The widespread use of English, together with Sweden’s familiarity with Britain makes it an excellent market for British exporters. UK industry already has a first class reputation in Sweden and has enjoyed centuries of trade. Opportunities exist across many diverse sectors.

The ITO-Plus Mission includes:

CONSULTANCY ADVICE:
An IBW consultant (IBDG) will liaise with you to establish the type of business contacts you wish to identify in Sweden, be it a distribution partner or direct customer, and will build a profile of the ‘perfect partner’ for your company, learning more about your product or service.

IN-MARKET INVESTIGATION:
The IBW consultant will research your target sector to verify the route to market for your particular product or service. Target companies that fit your given criteria will be identified and contacted to establish their suitability as potential partners/customers and interviewed to assess interest in your company. Meetings will then be organised with companies that offer the best prospects for future business.
IBW will endeavour to put together a programme of meetings to maximise your time in Sweden. Every company you meet will know why you are there, will have indicated an express interest in your proposal, and be ready to further assess the opportunity face to face.

SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS:
Your mission information pack will include background information on each of the companies you are to meet along with details of your travel schedule. This will be sent to you in advance so that there is time to prepare for the visit. IBW representatives will be contactable by telephone at all times throughout the in-market visit.

FOLLOW UP:
You will be asked to provide feedback of how the meetings went so that IBW has a good understanding, from your point of view, as to the next steps that need to be taken in order to convert those introductions into real business. This process ensures that you have a good knowledge of the target company’s requirement and are able to provide solutions to their needs through an efficient programme of communication and follow-up.

IN-MARKET ACTIVITIES:
A number of group activities will be included in the market visit, including:
• Business Forum: a presentation by a local leading business organisation, including economic overview and outlook for the region
• Site Visit to a suitable business location in Stockholm

For further details please contact the IBW European Trade events administration team (IBDG) on 01908 238 001, or complete the form below.