Trade September 2016

Making Connections

Service upgrade brings partnership opportunities to Japan-based firms

Export to Japan founding partners (from left): Steve Crane, chief executive, with non-executive board of directors: Lori Henderson, British Chamber of Commerce in Japan; Esther Williams, UK Department of International Trade, Japan; Jonty Brunner, British Airways; and (seated) British Ambassador to Japan Tim Hitchens CMG LVO.

Export to Japan founding partners (from left): Steve Crane, chief executive, with non-executive board of directors: Lori Henderson, British Chamber of Commerce in Japan; Esther Williams, UK Department of International Trade, Japan; Jonty Brunner, British Airways; and (seated) British Ambassador to Japan Tim Hitchens CMG LVO.

On 8 August, Export to Japan unveiled the biggest upgrade yet of its online resource for firms looking to do business in Japan (www.exporttojapan.co.uk).

The updated website introduces three new intuitive navigation paths. Users can browse relevant content and events sorted by industry sector, as well as check a comprehensive step-by-step guide to exporting to, and doing business in, Japan. They can also access a growing network of in-market partners offering a range of key services.

Export to Japan’s step-by-step guide allows firms of any size, regardless of stage in their export journey—from first-time exporters to businesses with an established presence overseas—to easily find the resources they need to do business in Japan.

The revamped site boasts a number of other improvements, too, such as providing easier access to Japanese market experts. A powerful new search function facilitates access to a growing library of on-demand webinars, videos and content packed with useful market insights and advice.

New opportunities for all sectors
Export to Japan, an award-winning community interest company, is expanding its range of resources and services with a distinctive partnership programme.

“Export to Japan is always evolving to accommodate our members’ needs and preferences. We are the go-to place to access services, events and information on doing business in Japan”, said Steve Crane, Export to Japan’s chief executive.

“We want to partner with Japan-based companies whose services can benefit new market entrants. Our platform has been a catalyst enabling many companies to enter the Japanese market by connecting them to relevant service providers”, he explained.

Export to Japan’s revamped partnership programme is embedded in the website’s new layout. Partner firms specialising in any sector of benefit to exporters can acquire a presence on the site and sponsor useful content.

“Such an approach can generate organic interest and sales leads by positioning our partners as true experts in their fields. This also helps Export to Japan become ever more useful and extends its ability to cater for enquiries and serve new and existing exporters”, Crane added.

Formed in July 2013, Export to Japan is a partnership between several bodies: the UK Department for International Trade (formerly UK Trade & Investment), the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan, British Airways and Business Link Japan. It is endorsed by the Rt Hon William Hague; British Ambassador to Japan Tim Hitchens CMG LVO; and chief executive of the International Airlines Group Willie Walsh.

Export to Japan membership
Those interested in membership need to create a new account and specify their sectors of interest by going to http://bit.do/export.

Membership grants access to in-depth reports, member-only videos and live webinars with industry experts.

Partner with Export to Japan
Partnering with Export to Japan can position your firm as an industry leader, raising the profile of your business in the process. It can also help attract new relevant leads through niche targeting.

For partnership requests, send an email to info@exporttojapan.co.uk. Export to Japan teams in the UK and in Japan can assist and explain the programme details.