Business West’s Great British Food Programme recognised in World Chambers Competition
Business West Chambers of Commerce has successfully reached the final of the 2021 World Chambers Competition in the Best Digital Project category.
The Great British Food Programme, a revolutionary digital trade platform which connects UK food and drink producers with international buyers will be presented to the judges in Dubai in November.
The World Chambers Competition is a biennial event, organised by International Chamber of Commerce and World Chambers Federation, recognising the most innovative projects undertaken by chambers of commerce and industry. There were 78 applications in total from 33 countries, with just four shortlisted for Best Digital Project. The other finalists in the category are from Chile, Germany, and Peru.
The Great British Food Programme initiative was originally set up to help businesses in the South West of England to grow their exports, with the aim of closing the gap on other UK regions. The online platform has since evolved and now allows businesses from across the UK to raise their international profile by showcasing their products digitally, while enabling them to sign up to key industry events and support schemes.
Over the 18 months that the competition focused on, the Great British Food Programme facilitated over 1,700 virtual meetings and interactions between UK exporters and international buyers, working with over 700 UK food and drink producers and 226 international buyers, with 2700 products now being showcased across the world.
The team also facilitated high-value export contracts to 29 different countries, leading to tens of millions pounds worth of sales for food and drink businesses based in the South West of England alone.
James Monk, Commercial Director of Business West said:
“It is fantastic to be recognised globally for our international trade activity, this innovative solution has come into its own during the pandemic, facilitating trade, whilst minimising the need to meet face to face or travel.
“We are hugely grateful to the UK food and drink companies who have chosen to promote their products on our platform together with the overseas buyers that have engaged with and purchase products through it. The support and enthusiasm behind the programme has been outstanding. Undoubtedly it has boosted the South West’s exports, creating more prosperity for the region, levelling-up in action.”