THE UK Government has announced its first export champions for Wales.
Drawn from founders and executives of firms across Wales, representing a wide-range of sectors, the voluntary role champions will support the Department for International Trade (DIT) to promote the benefits of exporting and encourage other companies to consider selling to overseas markets.
This will be done through participating in DIT events, sharing their exporting stories with those in their sector, and providing advice to other businesses about how to break into new markets abroad. In 2020 Wales exported £20.5bn worth of goods and services worldwide.
The champions are: Paola Dyborski-Bryant, Dr Zigs; Rosie Davies, Rees Machinery Group; Sina Yamani, Yoello; Alison Lea-Wilson, Halen Môn/Anglesey Sea Salt; Tee Sandhu, Samosa Co; Kamal Ali, My Salah Mat; Stephen Davies, Penderyn and John Pattinson, Air Covers.
Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said: “Export champions offer real-world expertise to businesses looking to take their first steps as exporters.
“We know exporters create jobs, pay higher wages and help grow our economy, and Welsh businesses are playing a key part in making the UK an export-led economy.
“There is global demand for Welsh goods and services, and I am determined that we connect more Welsh businesses to new opportunities available in markets across the world.”
Welsh Secretary David TC Davies said: “The eight export champions represent the best of Welsh business and have a huge amount of expertise to offer others who want to export to different markets.
“Welsh companies operating in areas like financial services, manufacturing and, of course, our famous food and drink are hugely successful exporters, and we want to support more businesses to take Welsh goods and services across the world.”
Mr Ali is founder of Newport-based manufacturer My Salah Mat, which export interactive prayer mats to help Muslim children learn how to pray correctly. The business has been working with DIT over the past year to help reach new markets and sell their interactive prayer mat into as many countries as possible.
Mr Ali said: “Exporting has opened up markets and opportunities that have enabled My Salah Mat to grow year on year even with the difficult economic situations. I highly recommend companies to look into exporting opportunities and what positive impact that can have on their business.
“I fly the flag for Wales wherever I travel, and I can’t wait to do this as an export Champion and help promote all that Wales has to offer."
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