A Yorkshire Dales Cheese maker was among more than sixty companies pitching for export business at an event held in Birmingham this past week.

The National Exhibition Centre was the venue for this years 'Meet the Buyer' event organised by Food from Britain on behalf of UK Trade and Investment, which saw international buyers from 28 companies sampling products ranging from biscuits, jams, crisps, toffees and soft cheeses to fruit juices and cordials.

Left to right: Buyers Ulla Karjalnaien and Risto Leino from
Finland meet John Kerwin and Judy Bell from
Shepherd's Purse Speciality Cheeses

Shepherds Purse Cheeses, based on a family farm near Thirsk, is Yorkshire's only producer of blue cheeses and as such is well placed to win business on the export market.

The firm's John Kerwin and Judy Bell took part in a full eight-hour day last Tuesday (21 March); a very tight schedule of 'musical chairs' ensued as companies had 20 minutes in which to make their case with each buyer. A five-minute warning over the PA system prompted each meeting to wind up promptly and if anyone was in doubt as to where they should be at any time, a master plan on the wall showed all appointments and gave companies the opportunity to add further appointments.

Organisers say the tore than 200 one to one meetings scheduled throughout the day proved a highly effective way of reaching new markets and new customers for the British suppliers.

Countries represented included Australia, Italy, France, Belgium, Ireland, Switzerland and the Netherlands. Representatives from UK Trade and Investment's international trade teams throughout Britain were on hand to assist their local firms and answer general queries. Commercial officers from British Embassies in 24 countries all over the world also attended the event to give detailed advice on their overseas market.

Buffet lunches for buyers and suppliers provided a further chance to exchange valuable information and network with the other participants.

Kirsty Grieve, Food from Britain's regional food and drink manager, said: "FFB's Defra funded campaign is helping to promote the UK's regional food and drink industry to both consumer and trade audiences.

"Through our presence at Food and Drink Expo, the UK's biggest event for the industry in 2006, we hope to raise awareness and commitment amongst UK and international buyers, benefiting British suppliers and further encouraging regional sourcing across the industry."

Mark Robson, UK Trade and Investment's Regional Director, added:

"The feedback from both suppliers and buyers has been really positive.

"The day offered UK companies a unique opportunity to develop their business overseas, and many of the participants particularly appreciated the in-depth advice from the commercial officers."

Further information about UK Trade and Investment and export opportunities for business is available from Business Link, or visit www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk