The Institute’s Director of Special Projects, Mike Josypenko, has presented at a special conference spearheaded by the Welsh Government at City Hall Cardiff and attended by over one hundred companies who have demonstrated a strong track record – or who have the potential to innovate and grow.
Mike’s interactive masterclass centred on how to enter high growth overseas markets, including; selecting and researching your markets, your route into the market, tackling regulatory obstacles, establishing your brand, and protecting your intellectual property.
The audience comprised both product and service based businesses who were at different stages of their respective export journeys. They were keen to harness Mike’s expertise in which markets to target and routes to market spanning distributors, agents, resellers and licencing.
Recalls Mike, who has amassed over 30 years of experience in international trade: “The presentations were well received and provided an ideal platform where attendees could enhance their knowledge and share their experiences. Hot topics included the potential of the MINT (Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey) countries along with protecting Intellectual Property on which there were mixed views.
“There was a good mix of businesses ranging from those selling services including IT and security solutions to others producing consumer products and technical instruments. I also emphasised how vital it is for exporters to equip their people with the appropriate knowledge and training in order to maximise the wealth of opportunities in international trade.”
Mike concluded his presentations with ten reasons why companies should invest in training which include the importance of getting it right, employee satisfaction and retention, knowledge transfer, future proofing -and enhancing a company’s image.
Hosted by former Cardiff Blues captain and ex Welsh international Rhys Williams, the conference’s keynote speaker was Scott Stern, the David Sarnoff Professor of Management and Chair of the Technological Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Strategic Management Group at the MIT Sloan School of Management and after dinner speaker was athletic champion, Roger Black MBE.
The conference also included a Finance for Growth workshop hosted by David Notley of Impact Innovation, professional advisors to high growth businesses. HR practitioner Richard Thorne presented on using HR as a growth enabler and Barrie Kennard, Chief Executive for the Welsh Assembly Government Centre for Excellence for Leadership and Management Skills in Wales, gave an insight into how companies can identify the management and leadership potential within their organisation.
If you would like more information on the IOE’s business membership, training and qualifications, please visit our website or contact us if you have any questions.
