INDUSTRIAL & COMMERCIAL 2012
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The Herald April 2012 Page 53
Strabane’s Export Clever™ Programme lauded by BBC Hearts & Minds For two years now, Strabane District Council has funded the innovative Export Clever™ Programme which aims to encourage international trade and export amongst young budding entrepreneurs and local businesses. The programme was recently highlighted by the BBC Hearts and Minds Programme because of its potential to increase international export and assist economic recovery locally. The programme has been funded by Strabane District Council’s Economic Development Department. It engaged and involved pupils and teachers from the secondary schools in Strabane, namely Holycross, Strabane Grammar School and Strabane High School (and most recently the Strabane Academy in 2012). The schools agreed to work on a single joint project for their business studies class. They jointly chose to research a business called ‘Around the Table Games’ from St. Louis, Missouri and help prepare it for launching in the UK market. Ms. Kamala Lakhdhir, the
then US Consul General launched the Export Clever ™ programme in Strabane in February 2011. A delegation including three Heads of Business Studies, the Council’s Economic Development Manager, and John Magee, of International Business Initiatives undertook a study visit to St Louis, in February 2011. During their time in St Louis they met with schools, businesses, universities and chambers of commerce. The programme was developed by John Magee of International Business Initiatives. He believes that the most effective market research involves companies directly engaging with
47 Derry Road Strabane Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland Tel: +44 (0)28 7138 2204 Fax: +44 (0)28 7138 1348 Email: info@strabanedc.com www.strabanedc.com Councillor Karina Carlin, Councillor Brian McMahon (Chairman SDC), John Magee International Business Initiatives, Kamala Lakhdhir, US Consul General, Kevin Rowland - US Deputy Consul General Councillor Patsy Kelly, Geraldine Stafford Economic Development Manager, Councillor Rhonda Hamilton.
the people living in the export country identified: “Small Businesses often forego any exploratory research of new potential export markets because of cost. This leads either to expensive mistakes or missed opportunities. A short, sharp research exercise by a native of the country will allow a small to medium business to make a reasonably informed choice
Strabane Academy pupils with their teachers, the Chairman and the Consul General
Strabane Academy pupils with their teachers, the Chairman and the Consul General
to “move on” or undertake further action. People buy goods and services. They are often influenced in their choices by custom and practice and can include items as such as unlucky colours or numbers. It is a veritable minefield to the uninitiated.” Referring to the potential to engage local students in this process he added: “A great deal of activity by students on business related courses lacks context. A student may be asked to “research a local company” for example. This is poor use of the student’s time, energy and ability. The student would be better motivated if tasked with a research exercise which is needed. Export Clever™ is providing a structured system allowing students within Strabane District to gain exposure to real business projects which are needed; and companies within Strabane District to quickly ascertain the potential of a new overseas market using local students.” On completion of Phase I of
the programme, Strabane District Council’s Chairman, Councillor Brian McMahon, and the US Consul General, Ms. Kamala Lakhdhir, presented the students with an award certificate for their diligence in providing the business with a professional, well researched report which will inform the Around the Table Games Company in progressing their product for the UK market. As a follow up to last year’s visit to St. Louis, Strabane District Council advertised widely for businesses to come forward who wanted to participate on the programme and work with the American Schools to market research their business. Two businesses from Sion Mills were chosen for Phase 2 of Export Clever ™ Programme. Niall Speak of Direct Sound and Lighting and Nigel Collins from Risk & Claims Ltd. travelled to St. Louis accompanied by the Chairman of Strabane District Council’s Economic Development Committee,
Councillor Thomas Kerrigan and again John Magee, International Business Initiatives. The programme establishes an international business culture for the district. It allows local students and businesses to investigate new export opportunities at no cost and increase their competitiveness. It exposes local students to real business projects and develops their skills which will in turn benefit local employers. Following successful delivery of the first Export Clever™ pilot programme, the model has now been expanded to include other schools and other export markets. Both the Strabane Academy and the Holycross College are continuing to work on the programme. The Council recently hosted a Skype Conference for over 45 students from both schools and the BBC’s Hearts and Minds Programme broadcast recording on the 1st March, 2012.
Holy Cross College pupils with their teachers, the Chairman and the Consul General