TradeStart - our partnership with Austrade
One of the successful partnerships that has paid international dividends for the South West in recent times has been between the South West Development Commission and AusTrade.
The partnership saw the appointment of South West-based TradeStart export adviser Mat Lewis 18 months ago.
Mr Lewis’s mission has been to partner with the Commission in helping small and medium sized business that want to expand or commence exporting through the TradeStart program.
Mr Lewis plays a key role in enhancing the export supply capability of the South West. The Commission has been able to provide support for Mr Lewis’s efforts, which have seen him travel the world to promote the region.
Mr Lewis has used international events to show off some of the region’s export product potential, as well as public speaking events, print and electronic media and a professionally produced newsletter to increase the region’s exports.
He has also provided export coaching for local producers to enhance their ability to meet the demands of the international market.
Mr Lewis has attended numerous global events, including Indulgence in the City in Singapore, Discover Australia in Canada and World Wine and Travel in Margaret River, to raise the profile of the region and its products.
The result has been a significant boost to the South West’s international profile and an enhancing of its export ability.
The Indulgence in the City event in Singapore alone resulted in 10 new immediate export deals for the South West, as well as another 12 potential deals in the near future.
A buyer visit from India to Indulgence resulted in four major export orders. The product will also feature at a tasting at the High Commissioners residence in New Delhi in December.
Later this year Mr Lewis will be presenting the South West at events in India, Philadelphia and New York.
His efforts have resulted in him being named the top TradeStart sales export advisor for 2007 for the highest number of sales.