UK businesses looking to expand overseas were given fresh confidence after experts on international trade came together for a special event at the Venture Centre at the University of Warwick Science Park.
The event, called “Go West to the USA or Go East to Japan!”, was organised by Margaret Bourke from Taskeru, Dr Frank Levene from Blue Link Worldwide, and Nathan Garner from Garner Finnemore LLP. Their goal was simple: to show UK start-ups and scale-ups that entering the US or Japanese markets is more achievable than they might think.
Margaret said, “Taskeru is happy to help companies looking East or West and this is a great time for UK companies to start up in either direction.”
Greg Clark, Executive Chair of Warwick Innovation District, opened the day by welcoming everyone and praising Warwick Science Park’s role in helping local companies grow beyond the UK. He was followed by Jacopo Dettoni from FDI Intelligence, who gave an easy-to-understand overview of where global investment is currently heading.
In the “Go East – Come to Japan” session, Margaret Bourke shared why Japan is a great place for UK firms to build long-term partnerships. She was followed by Marina Parry and Hamid Chaudhry from JETRO London, who gave practical advice on how to start doing business there and outlined the programmes and support available to UK companies.
The focus then shifted to the USA. Dr Frank Levene led the “Go West – Come to the USA” session, explaining what to expect when entering the American market. Margaret Bourke talked about the City of Mentor in Ohio as a friendly landing spot for UK companies, while Rhoda Campbell from SelectFlorida highlighted the support available in Florida. The session wrapped up with essential legal tips from Mary Cecilia Sweeney of Laura Devine Immigration.
Frank said, “This was a trail blazing cross border, UK-USA FDI event that delivered practical insights for UK companies seeking to expand into the USA”.
Whether in the room or watching online, attendees left with clear guidance, useful contacts, and a real sense that international expansion doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Organisers said their aim was to remove the fear around going global and show that help is already out there. The message was clear: whether you head east to Japan or west to the USA, now is a great time to take the leap.
