France, England's closest continental neighbour, is something of an enigma. Provider of Kings and Queens for the English throne, enemy and ally in equal measure but in the 21st Century an export market that is worth around £20 billion a year to UK companies - that is about 10 per cent of the UK's visible exports worldwide.
UK Trade & Investment's team in France has identified a significant group of business sectors which could be of interest to UK firms, especially those based in the North East. France leads the way in a number of cuttings edge and innovative industries and the development of such sectors in the North East could provide a good match.
To help North East firms make the most of the opportunities available, and as part of International Business Month, UK Trade & Investment will be holding a "Why trade with France?" seminar at Durham County Cricket Ground in Chester-le-Street on Thursday 26 June. 1-3pm.
Delegates taking part in the event will also be able to find out about UK Trade & Investment's planned market visits to Paris and to Lyon, in October, looking specifically at the food and drink industry and the chemical sector.
To help give the French perspective to the market, the seminar will feature a presentation from Claire Bouteille who is the British Consul in the Consulate based in France's third largest town, Lyon.
John Holmes-Carrington, one of UK Trade & Investment's International Trade Advisers, who will lead the seminar in Chester-le-Street, said:
"France is growing in importance for the UK economy and it is vital that companies in the North East realise just what is available in terms of trading with our nearest neighbour.
"Our team in France has identified sectors such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, software and ICT; creative/media/design; environment; aerospace and the automotive Industry as areas in which British companies could development strong trading links.
"I am delighted that Claire will be joining us from the Lyon Consulate because I am certain her input will help to put the market into even sharper perspective."
The two market visits to France in October are as follows:
19-22 October - A visit to Paris to coincide with SIAL food and drink show 22-24 October - A visit to Lyon to coincide with the 2nd Europe Innova Conference including the Axelera Chemicals Cluster.
For companies interested it may be possible to combine both of these visits into one.
The event is one of a series of key market and sector seminars organised by UK Trade & Investment and its partners as part of International Business Month, which runs throughout June.
For more information about how to book the free "Why Trade with France" seminar and how for information about the two Market Visits call the North East Regional International Trade Hotline on 0845 05 05 054 or email enquiries@ukti.rito.co.uk.
