Plans to support local enterprises take off as one of the region's leading business support agencies, Weston Spirit Trading, embarks on its first ever international trade visit to the Far East.

This week will see one of the region's leading business support agencies, Weston Spirit Trading (WST), embark on its first ever international trade visit to the Far East.

The seven-day trip, which has been co-sponsored by Business Liverpool and the Learning and Skills Council's SkillWorks programme, aims to reinforce and establish new trade contacts in the Far East. Geoff Stevenson, WST's business adviser explains: "In our experience, there are lots of new and developing businesses that would benefit from forging international trade links with the Far East. For some, these links are crucial and can mean the difference between success and failure. In fact, we've seen first hand how they can actually turn business ideas and concepts into reality."

One new business to benefit from taking WST's advice is Merseyside-based Urban Revolution Ltd. Following an introduction to a contact in the Far East, Urban Revolution is now successfully producing and marketing the UR Bin - an innovative disposal unit designed to keep cigarette butts and chewing gum off our streets.

Founder and chief executive of Urban Revolution Chris Bradshaw explains: "Without WST's advice I don't think my business idea would have got off the ground. In addition to helping with my initial business plan, Geoff gave me a business contact, which resulted in me sourcing a manufacturer in China. After nine months of great sales, I'm now heading back to the Far East to start work on my next project."

Catching up to say bon voyage to Geoff and Chris before they set off to the Far East, Simon Weston said: "Urban Revolution's success story is fantastic and I'm delighted that Weston Spirit Trading played a key role. I'll be taking a keen interest in the company's future and am confident that more local businesses will benefit as a result of this trade trip."

Geoff Stevenson goes on to add: "The success of this initiative shows the huge potential in maintaining and developing international links, not only in the manufacturing industry, but across other sectors such as textiles and packaging. We want to be able to steer our clients in the right direction and give them the best possible advice. This trip will enable us to do that. I will combine educational research, knowledge building and networking, enabling us to keep up to speed with trade developments in the Far East."

WST's business ethos and reputation has resulted in a number of successful government backed contracts and funding from Greater Merseyside Learning & Skills Council, Government Office North West and Merseyside Social Enterprise Initiative. One contract currently being delivered is Weston ESP (Enterprise, Skills, Progress), which offers a flexible package of business support specially designed to get local new businesses up and running.

From environmental solutions and technological innovations to plumbing and car maintenance, WST is supporting hundreds of start-up businesses on Merseyside. They have the capacity to work with more and would love to hear from anybody with a new business idea.

Written by :

Chris Bradshaw