
Exciting new plans were unveiled at the FSPA Board meeting.
The quarterly meeting of the Federation Board took place on 18 October at Stoneleigh, where some exciting new plans were discussed.
Managing Director Jane Montgomery (pictured) said: “The re-brand of the Federation taking place early next year coincides with the launch of several new projects.
“First up, we’re developing a new overall corporate strategy for the organisation identifying our priorities and building on our strengths, to ensure that membership provides a real advantage for our businesses.
“Based upon this plan, we’ll be looking at our communications strategy – both internal and external – so that what we do and the advantages of membership are communicated to existing and potential members alike.”
Brexit
Jane Montgomery is working closely with newly formed Government departments in relation to Brexit and will be holding a members’ meeting in the New Year to discuss the implications for member businesses. Jane explains: “Following the meeting we will provide Government with the challenges and impact that the Sports & Play industries face and set out what we would like to see as part of the Brexit negotiations.”
If members have concerns they want to share, please email jane@sportsandplay.com for her to pass on to UK Government. At the moment, the main concerns from members are free movement of people, the status of EU nationals who live and work in the UK, stability, timelines and tariffs.
Digital Working Group
Jane is also collaborating with FESI and WFSGI on a new working committee in charge of the Digital Single Market. Two key aspects have been identified, namely Geoblocking and Online Platforms. Two factsheets have been prepared for the Sporting Goods industry which Jane Montgomery is sharing with UK Government. If any member would like copies of these factsheets, please email jane@sportsandplay.com
Join us at BCC Global Business Network
Whatever stage of the export journey you find yourself at, why not join us at the BCC Global Business Network Live on the 1st November – as a member you get a preferential rate. The event is designed to provide you and your business with the knowledge, expertise, advice and contacts to succeed overseas.
If you’re exhibiting at overseas trade fairs like ISPO and PGA, this event will provide additional advice and expertise on exporting and specific markets. One of the breakout sessions is being run by Reed Exhibitions on getting the most out of overseas trade fairs, and many of the Chambers in the Global Business Network will correlate with countries which have events listed in the TAP funding programme; they will be able to offer insight, information and on-the-ground support in those countries.
Aimed at businesses of all sizes and sectors – with learning streams for both new and more established exporters – the day will have a strong practical focus.
You can look forward to a wide choice of informative workshops, lively panel discussions with businesses from both the goods and services sectors, and inspiring talks from pioneering exporters. There will, of course, also be plenty of time for networking with fellow exporters and British Chambers representing a wide range of overseas markets.
This event could not be more timely, with British businesses looking out for new opportunities and advice on navigating the post-EU referendum landscape. Book your place today or email/call us here for more information.
Department for International Trade (DIT) Webinars
The Department for International Trade (DIT) Webinar service runs hundreds of free hour-long internet events covering topics, sectors and countries around the world, helping you shape your export plan.
These events allow you to interact with the experts in specific sectors and countries and ask questions to enhance your knowledge.
Webinars taking place in the next week:
How to access South Korea’s e-commerce market – Tuesday 25th October 2016 9.30
Working with Chinese distributors and partners – Tuesday 25th October 2016 9.30
To see all upcoming DIT Webinars, please visit: https://www.events.ukti.gov.uk/and search for webinars
Composite technology set to revolutionise sport equipment
NetComposites is launching a brand new, one-day conference spotlighting the current and future use of composite materials in sport. The conference will incorporate demonstrations of state-of-the-art equipment and bespoke test rigs at the Sports Technology Institute.
Taking place on 16 November 2016 at Holywell Park Conference Centre, Loughborough University, the event will explore new composite material developments in sports-related applications including equipment, safety wear, apparel, prosthetics and infrastructure.
It is aimed at material developers/suppliers, manufacturers, researchers, regulatory bodies and athletes of all abilities.
Members receive a 10 per cent discount from the delegate rate – just add FSPA10 to the relevant box on the registration form at http://compositesinsport.com/ Follow them on Twitter @CompSport2016