International Business Group (IBG)

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SERVICES

Over 75% of UK manufactured construction equipment is exported but this is not an easy business. Exchange rates, trade barriers and lack of market information can be big hurdles. Members of the CEA’s International Business Group (IBG) are e-mailed free International Bulletins monthly, which identify relevant events, information sources and trade opportunities.

Group meetings host government and commercial experts from Europe, the Middle East, North America and beyond. The Group has received briefings from over 50 experts to date, helping to grow our information network for exporters. There are also regular opportunities for the CEA to meet with trade delegations visiting from overseas. Any CEA member manufacturer or supplier can join the IBG.

Members also benefit from the CEA’s participation in the UK Trade & Investment Automotive Sector. Joint International Business Group events are held in co-operation with the automobile (SMMT) and motorsport (MIA) associations who also work together to bring Trade & Investment Advisors in British Embassies and High Commissions overseas over to the UK to meet company representatives and learn about our industries.

The CEA also aims to assist companies with their export strategy and give them practical help. This can take the form of one-to-one export counselling, training days or the provision of export handbooks and market fact sheets. Priority markets are kept under review, such as the USA, Russia, Western Europe, the Middle East, etc, for targeted activity. This links in with a programme of British Groups at overseas events, supplemented by the promotion of British equipment via catalogue exhibitions.

The fastest growing world markets for construction equipment are China and India. In recognition of this, the CEA is partnering with market experts to maximise opportunities for British-based companies.

The CEA provides briefing material on sector capabilities to the UK's Commercial Posts overseas. We also publish the internationally circulated Business Tracker CD Rom. This ties in with the Product Finder section of our website (www.coneq.org.uk), which has attracted over 7 million page enquiries since its launch in 1998. Entries are free to member companies.