South Shropshire MP Philip Dunne has announced he is organising a second event to help local businesses looking to export products around the world.

The government today announced a free trade agreement with Australia, so businesses who sign up to attend the event will be able to learn more about how to export their products to Australian customers, as well as other markets around the world.

Businesses will receive tailored updates and guidance from the Department for International Trade on how to expand their business and access new markets, as well as hearing from:

  • A local Export Champion who is reaping the benefits of international trade, who will share their export journey, experience and tips on breaking into a new market
  • A DIT official to provide an update on the doors being opened through new trade deals
  • An International Trade Adviser who will share information on the tools available to grow your business through international sales

The event will take place online on Monday 19th July, from 4pm to 5pm, and will conclude with a Q&A session.

Mr Dunne, who is a founding member of the Parliamentary Export Programme where selected cross party MPs organise and chair virtual meetings with experts from business and government to support local businesses in their exporting journey, said:

“I am delighted to be organising my second interactive virtual export event, with support from the Department for International Trade, to help businesses in South Shropshire access new markets and customers across the globe. This is a free event, with expert advice from officials and other businesses who have found success through exporting.

"This will be a good opportunity to discover how today’s announcement of a free trade agreement with Australia will open up new opportunities for South Shropshire businesses to export, as well as offering young people who want to work in Australia easier access to visas.

"I encourage businesses to sign up for free at https://eu.eventscloud.com/website/3735/.”

The UK-Australia trade relationship was worth £13.9 billion last year and is set to grow under the under the agreement. British farmers will be protected by a cap on tariff-free imports for 15 years, using tariff rate quotas and other safeguards.

Under the Free Trade Agreement between the UK and Australia, movement between the two countries for young people will be made easier. At present, UK citizens under 30 who spend a year in Australia must undertake 88 days of farm work if they wish to stay for another year. This requirement is removed under the trade deal, and the maximum age for visa is also being raised to 35.”