Despite the present Spanish and Portuguese economic difficulties, these European neighbours are, and will remain, strong international trading partners of the UK.

The UK enjoys a long standing and wide ranging bilateral relationship with Spain and its alliance with Portugal, which began with a Treaty in 1373, is older than any other.

Today, with a population of 46 million and a developed sophisticated economy, Spain is the UK's seventh largest export market with trade in goods reaching £8.9 billion in 2009.

Portugal, with a population of 10.6 million, shares the same time zone as the UK, making it convenient for the countries to do business. The UK is the fifth largest exporter to Portugal and in 2009 UK exports to the country totalled £1.5 billion.

Find out how your company can benefit from developing business in Iberia by joining us at our evening seminar on Wednesday 15 June 2011. Sponsored by the Midlands Enterprise Europe Network, this event will provide you with:

 

• The latest update on the financial uncertainty in the region and how it is impacting upon international trade activity from Juan Perez-Campanero, Head Economist of Santander's Global Banking and Markets Division;

• An in-depth overview of the Spanish and Portuguese markets and how they offer a gateway into Latin America directly from the UKTI Directors of the respective British Embassies;

• An insight into the business opportunities that exist in a wealth of sectors, including renewable energy, engineering, life sciences, ICT and environmental technologies;

• Practical advice from a regional company who has successfully entered the Iberian market. 

Prior to the seminar, there will also be the opportunity to meet with our guest speakers from the British Embassies in Madrid and Lisbon as well as our sponsors Roythornes and RSM Tenon.

Gain a better understanding of the prospects for your business in Iberia and reserve a place today!

 

Programme:

 

17h00          Registration, light refreshments and networking

 

17h30          Welcome and introduction

                                               

17h35          Portugal’s EU Financial Aid: Latest developments, potential

   knock-on effect to Spain and implications for international trade

Juan Perez-Campanero, Head Economist, Santander Global Banking and Markets Division

18h00          The Spanish Market and Opportunities for UK Companies

                 Belinda Coombes, Director of UKTI, British Embassy Madrid

 

18h25          The Portuguese Market and Opportunities for UK Companies

                     Renata Ramalhosa, Director of UKTI, British Embassy Lisbon

                                

18h50          Case study of success in the Spanish and / or Portuguese 

                     market

                     TBC

                                               

19h10          Q&A and discussion

 

19h30          Close and networking buffet