Market Visit to Chicago – Food & Drink

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Sunday, 18 September, 2016 - 00:00 to Wednesday, 21 September, 2016 - 00:00

Market Visit to Chicago – Food & Drink

Organiser

Midlands Engine

The Midlands Engine initiative aims to boost economic growth across the Midlands including through enhanced trade and investment. The US represents huge opportunities for UK business. It is experiencing solid economic growth and has many well established links.

The Market Visit
This is a unique opportunity to take part in the inaugural Midlands Engine trade and investment mission, led by a UK Government Minister. For the first time, companies from across both East and West Midlands will be involved in a mission that will raise the profile of the region overseas and its strong manufacturing industry. You are invited to join the visit to Chicago which will focus primarily on Food & Drink, and will offer great opportunities for companies to gain insights into one of our most important trading partners. The high-profile programme will include events and receptions arranged by the British Consulate-General in Chicago for participants and guests, and we aim to generate significant media coverage both in market and in the UK.

Why participate?
Travelling out as part of a Government organised trade contingent will attract greater publicity than a solo visit and help open doors. For companies that are serious about doing business in North America, there is simply no substitute for a personal visit. There will be press coverage and networking events – you will benefit from the support of Trade Advisers before and throughout your visit to ensure that the trip is a success and that you have a clear understanding of the next steps you need to take.

18 - 21 September 2016

Draft Programme: Food & Drink Delegation (itinerary subject to confirmation)

Sunday 18 Sept Outbound flights to Chicago
Informal networking evening with delegates

Monday 19 Sept
09.00 Doing business in the USA and an overview of Chicago/Midwest region (Location: DMDII)
10:30 Tour of Wrigley’s Innovation Campus
12.30 Networking lunch event with Chicago Council on Global Affairs: Britain's Place in the
Global Economy
14.30 Working with distributors in the US and one on one meetings with potential distributors
17.00 Return to hotel prior to evening reception
18.00 Evening business reception at Shakespeare Theatre on Chicago’s iconic Navy Pier,
bringing together the Midlands Engine delegation and potential US partners, buyers
and investors.

Tuesday 20 Sept
09.00 US Food & Drink Market Overview with Mintel
11.00 Logistics session with UPS
12.00 Lunch
13.00 Doing business in Canada session
15.00 Tour of Institute of Food Technologists

Wednesday 21 Sept
09.00 FDA Regulations Overview and Approval Process
11.00 Selling to Whole Foods - Session with procurement contacts from regional procurement
contacts at WholeFoods
13.00 Whole Foods - Lunch and store tour
16.00 Visit to Tate & Lyle Commercial and Food Innovation Centre (Suburban Chicago)

Register your interest
Please register your interest online at www.bit.ly/1LlZveM We are expecting interest in this market visit to be very high so please note that your place is not guaranteed until you receive confirmation.

Eligibility
The market visit is open to all Midlands exporters. If you are an SME you may be eligible for a travel grant of £750.

Cost
A management fee of £275 for all delegates will cover in-market event costs. Delegates need to meet their own flight and accommodation costs.

Request your place

Find out more
 

 

Made Smarter WM

Made Smarter is a national movement to drive growth amongst UK makers and advance the UK economy. Backed by world renowned businesses and the UK government, it will improve the development and adoption of emerging technologies. Making a real, everyday difference to people from the boardroom to the factory floor.

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Client testimonials

Without the Growth Hubs help and assistance, we would never have been able to increase our sales & output and also grow our local business. With this help in purchasing new equipment we have expanded our operations and gained a new and increased customer base.

Nuneaton Roof Truss,

Over the past few years, Armstrongs has built up a fantastic relationship with Gary Thyeson from the Growth Hub. His advice on grants and funding has been really valuable to both Armstrongs and some of our clients. His knowledge of local business support has been helpful in signposting us to relevant support agencies as required. We look forward to working with Laura Delahunty moving forwards.

Armstrongs Accountancy LTD,

In the short time since first engaging with the Warwickshire Growth Hub we feel that Laura has understood our vision and has been so very supportive in linking us to the specialist teams who are now supporting us with training, finance and recruitment. A great service that every growing organisation should connect with

MES Systems Limited,

I have had an excellent experience working with Laura from the Growth Hub, from day one, she was taking detailed attention to my concerns and ideas. She was able to put me in contact with different organisations and people to find out answers to my questions and help me to solve some inquiries I was having. I feel this support definitely had a positive impact in my plans. 

 

PALACIOS LTD,

It’s been a fantastic inaugural eight months for the TalentTech Recruitment team and, although the reality of setting up and running a company can be a somewhat daunting experience, we have been extremely grateful for the superb help, advice and guidance given to us along our journey by Gavin Barnett and the team at CW Growth Hub. Gavin’s introductions to both Warwick & Coventry Universities and his wider business network have been absolutely invaluable.

TalentTech Recruitment LTD,

For many individuals out there, it is very hard to figure out ways and know which direction to go when it comes to setting up a business. The challenges of taking your idea and bringing it to life and not knowing where to go and who to speak to for advice. it can get very frustrating..

King of Saffron LTD,

This grant [which we received with the help of the Growth Hub and Coventry City Council] will really help us get on track for business growth and succeed with our vision. Personally, I would also like to thank the team for supporting me through the grant application process. You have been very approachable and attentive throughout.

Exeter Analytical (UK) Limited,

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Burbidge & Son Ltd,

Over the years since the Growth Hub was set up we have habitually gone to our Account Manager as a one-stop shop for all business-related information.  It has been a really convenient way of finding suppliers, advisors and, on one occasion, we even asked for assistance with finding customers.  We are invited to a wide range of business events including business development workshops, Brexit roundtable discussions, seminars on various topics and have also been asked to speak at some events.  When we have needed additional information, for example, finding finance sources or help with selecti

Marchantcain Design Limited,

Thanks to CW Growth hub getting us access to grant funding we have been able to invest in the latest computer monitoring system, which will enable us to compete with the national companies within our industry.

Comrie Leisure Limited,

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