European Regional Development Fund - Gateway Asia II led by Harrow College
On 13th August 2015, Harrow College successfully hosted a free-to-attend business workshop for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) at Hallam Conference Centre, Central London.
The Gateway Asia II project aims to support businesses in the UK by providing access to international contracts with the aim of developing economic growth and fundamentally, the creation of new UK jobs. The work undertaken on the programme further demonstrates our commitment to working with our local business community. This is a key area of development for Harrow College that aligns within our own enterprise, entrepreneurship and employability agenda.
The workshop was introduced by Abdul Miah, EU ERDF Delivery Manager whilst the workshop was delivered by Michael Geddes, EU ERDF Programme Manager and supported by Colleen Williams Marketing Campaigns Manager, all staff of Harrow College.
The workshop provided an opportunity for SMEs to learn about procurement and tendering for new business and tools and techniques to be implemented in the domestic and international markets to win new contracts. The event was also an opportunity for UK businesses to make new business relationships.
Michael Geddes said: “SME’s are the backbone of the UK economy. The Gateway Asia II project is continuing to provide access to genuine domestic and international business opportunities to encourage the growth of UK SMEs. Today's workshop enabled the SME’s to gain a clear understanding of the UK and International markets, procurement and supply chain best practice techniques and also addressed the benefits of bi-lateral international trade through joint venture contracts.”
Charlotte Koch of 4 Green Architecture Limited commented that it was a “very practical-oriented workshop” whilst Winnie Joseph of Lingoes said that the workshop was well organised and provided "a good opportunity to network with like-minded business people."
Our successful Gateway Asia II programme will end December 2015, we are expecting over the coming weeks to be developing our strategy for a Gateway Asia III programme.
Further events delivered by Harrow College and project partners, UKIBC and Allied Consulting are available for the attendance of SMEs free of charge.