Just weeks after the Lake Mac Connect program was launched, the Chamber has already unearthed businesses that are quietly but significantly contributing to the region’s growing ability to be innovative and imaginative.
The Lake Mac Connect project was launched in September and is attempting to map the number and type of businesses that are currently operating within the city. As part of this project the Chamber offers all businesses in the city with free membership and connectivity with what is anticipated to be about 7,000 other businesses.
Through the program, the Chamber recently met up with a local company that helps local business create markets in more than 40 countries around the world. Specialising in manufacturing and the service sectors, Export Market Resource Group is helping local businesses to challenge the norm and explore export opportunities, or ways to develop export markets.
Principal Consultant, Dan Wilkinson, said there were dozens of business located in Lake Macquarie and the Hunter that were being innovative in the way they are taking on the world marketplace.
“The Hunter has long been known as one of Australia’s largest product export hubs. Traditional businesses are getting creative and there are innovative start-ups opening every day that are changing the way we work, do business and the way we think about potential market places,” Dan said.
“The Hunter’s hunger for international business opportunities is insatiable, but often emerging companies are unaware that there is support in our region that can help them map out an international business development plan,” he said.
Export Market Resource Group works in more than 40 countries, establishing businesses and distributorships in around 20 with an extensive global network of influencers and decision makers in government and non-government sectors. It currently works with companies from across the globe pursuing international business opportunities in Asia, the Middle East, West, North and Central-East Africa, and Eastern and Western Europe.
Lake Macquarie Business President, Ben Connell, said many companies may not be aware of the wealth of experience and assistance available locally for those wishing to export.
“Some of the talent we have available locally to assist potential exporters is top class and complements services that are currently offered through the NSW Business Chamber Alliance Program such as Export Growth China and Export Check Diagnostics,” Ben said.
IMAGE | Bob Hawes, Arthur Gallagher and Dan Wilkinson at the Lake Mac Business launch
