UK Trade & Investment (Yorkshire and Humber)
NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE BUSINESS MAKES A FRENCH CONNECTION
For most people, a trip to Paris means enjoying the sights and returning home with a few bottles of French red and a statue of the Eiffel Tower. But for North East Lincolnshire based J&J Pearls, a trip to the French capital has provided the opportunity to bring home much more than a suitcase full of wine and souvenirs.Instead, founding partner Julie Robinson has returned from her whistle stop visit to France yesterday with a head full of information about international trade and contacts in France that could help her business grow in Europe.
As part of an initiative between Forward Ladies and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) Julie joined15 Yorkshire businesswomen who were given the chance to attend a trade conference at the British Ambassador's residence in Paris, celebrating International Women's Day, and attend a private workshop held by the wife of the British Ambassador in Paris, Lady Penny Holmes. Also attending the workshop were 15 French businesswomen, selected for their potential to trade with the British women. The aim of the conference and workshop was to help the women learn more about international trade, exchange ideas and experience and maximise opportunities for trade between France and Yorkshire.
For J&J Pearls the aim of the visit was to find out more about international trade as they prepare to launch their Thea-dora range of jewellery in Europe later this year.
J&J Pearls was established almost three years ago by friends Julie Robinson & Julia Pousette. Their objective was to develop their love of unique items of jewellery into a successful business venture - and so far they are doing pretty well.
"We were named North East Lincolnshire's New Business of the Year 2005 and have recently attended an international trade show at the NEC. We got local college students to design our stand for us - which attracted a huge amount of attention and business.
"Off the back of the show we have decided to take one of our latest ranges - Thea-dora - to Europe, and so having the opportunity to attend this conference has been a dream come true"
"As a result of attending this event we have made a number of contacts which we intend to follow up immediately and hope to be trading in France in a very short space of time." Explained Julie Robinson, who attended the conference in Paris
The trip was organised by Etta Cohen, Forward Ladies Manager and Lorraine Ellison, Sector Specialist with UK Trade & Investment. Etta Cohen, Forward Ladies Manager commented: "Forward Ladies has grown from just four to over 1400 members over the past two years - so it is fantastic to see the network going international! "As far as our members are concerned this trip has been a huge success and has offered these women is the opportunity to find out more about international trade - giving them the opportunity to expand into overseas markets. "And as with all Forward Ladies activities the event gives members the opportunity to share experiences and learn from other members challenges and opportunities. "I am really looking forward to seeing what new business opportunities grow from the seeds planted in Paris" UKTI Sector Specialist Lorraine Ellison said:
"The trip has been very successful and a lot of positive things have come out of it. It's great for UKTI to be involved in an initiative like this and although it will take time to see all the results, the early signs are very good. "We look forward to working more with Forward Ladies and the Franco-British Chamber of Commerce to encourage further links for women to develop their business in France and vice versa. A return visit to Yorkshire is expected this autumn when we hope to build on the contacts we've made and relationships we've built in Paris."
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