Derbyshire business leaders become government export champions following success

Derbyshire business leaders have been appointed export champions by the Government to help small organisations expand internationally following their own commercial success.
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Emma Parkinson, owner of International Energy Products based in New Whittington, Chesterfield, has joined the Department for International Trade’s cadre of more than 400 business leaders across England, tasked with passing their expertise in selling overseas onto other, less experienced companies.

The Chesterfield business, which processes speciality alloys to the oil, gas, renewable energy and petrochemical industries, works globally to produce materials in line with the sector’s specifications.

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James Buchanan, a business man from Bakewell-based brewery Thornbridge Hall Country House Brewing Company has also become one of the Government’s Export Champions to help smaller companies seize international opportunities.

Emma Parkinson, owns International Energy Products based in New Whittington, Chesterfield.Emma Parkinson, owns International Energy Products based in New Whittington, Chesterfield.
Emma Parkinson, owns International Energy Products based in New Whittington, Chesterfield.

The voluntary and unpaid roles are typically given to business leaders, founders and international trade specialists from successful small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are selling around the world, to help others in their local area follow suit.

Thornbridge Brewery first opened in 2005 when founders, Jim Harrison and Simon Webster, recruited two young brewers to brew on a second hand 10-barrel kit in the grounds of Thornbridge Hall and now sell their beers internationally.

James Buchanan in charge of export sales at the brewery said: “We have now been exporting for a number of years, getting our beer far and wide into on-trade and off-trade in a number of countries.

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"While they are not always easy to enter, it is always very rewarding to see our products become available in all these places and be enjoyed by new customers.

James Buchanan, of Thornbridge Hall Country House Brewing Company.James Buchanan, of Thornbridge Hall Country House Brewing Company.
James Buchanan, of Thornbridge Hall Country House Brewing Company.

“I am very excited to be joining the Export Champion Community, having used DIT services in the past to help with some export wins, and I look forward to the new opportunities ahead.”

Director of International Energy Products Director, Emma Parkinson added: “I am proud to represent the Department for International Trade in the role of Export Champion for the East Midlands.

"I am looking forward to working with others to share import and export experiences, and contribute to the future growth of our county and country.

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“We trade internationally on a large scale and, having had hands-on experience importing and exporting goods from all areas of the world, I have acquired a vast amount of experience which has contributed to the business’ success over the years.”

Emma and James will give insight on how more businesses can start exporting or venture into new markets, as well as speaking at events and providing feedback to the Government.

International Trade Secretary Liz Truss commented: “I am delighted that Emma and James have joined our Export Champion community and will play a crucial part in getting more businesses selling top-quality British goods and services across the world.

"They have incredible passion for seeing British businesses thrive and are keen to pass on their knowledge and expertise to others.

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“The trade deals we are signing bring economic benefits to every part of the UK, support high quality jobs, and create massive opportunities.

"It is vital that businesses capitalise now, and our Export Champions will help their business boom by looking to new and exciting markets.”

The Department for International Trade are keen to increase the number of businesses exporting as currently only one in 10 UK businesses have the capacity to sell overseas.

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