Staffordshire businesses have been encouraged to look beyond traditional export markets and consider new international opportunities at a unique breakfast networking event.
More than 120 businesses attended Staffordshire Chambers’ latest Big Business Breakfast event at the bet365 Stadium on Friday, where five speakers examined the opportunities and challenges facing companies trading overseas.
And organisers have confirmed the date and topic for the first Big Business Breakfast of 2027 – with ‘Transforming Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire’ taking place on Friday, 22 January.
Stuart Elford, Chief Executive of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “These events continue to grow in popularity, and it was fantastic to bring more than 120 businesses together for such an important topic.
“International trade offers significant opportunities for Staffordshire companies, and events like this give businesses the insight, advice and connections they need to make the most of them.
“We have an award-winning international trade team here at the Chamber, and I would encourage any business considering entering new markets to get in touch with them.”
Speaking at the event, which took place in the Tony Waddington Suite, Richard Oppenheim, Director of the Diplomatic Advisory Hub, highlighted the opportunities in markets such as India, Türkiye and Vietnam, while warning of the impact geopolitical uncertainty could have on existing trade routes.
David Bharier, Deputy Director of Economics and Insights at the British Chambers of Commerce, outlined the pressures facing UK firms, including rising taxation and fuel costs and low investment intentions.
Local businesses also shared their experiences of international growth. Chris Ratcliffe, Global Sales and Marketing Director at Cosy, discussed the company’s 27-fold export growth over five years, while Dr Eve Davies of ProtectaPet explained how the business had grown exports by 2,000% before withdrawing from 22 countries. Terri Bruce, Partner – VAT and Customs at Dains offered practical advice on the complexities of European VAT and customs when trading overseas.
The next Big Business Breakfast
Staffordshire Chambers has confirmed its next Big Business Breakfast will take place on Friday 22 January 2027 at bet365 Stadium.
Under the theme ‘Transforming Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire’, the event will feature the chief executives of Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire County Council discussing the future of the area.
