Clipper race captures trade winds to Cape Town

13/11/2009

Hull & Humber companies prepare to do business in South Africa

A trade mission of companies from Hull and the Humber is preparing to fly out to Cape Town in South Africa this weekend to explore business opportunities against the backdrop of the region’s entry in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

The mission is part of an initiative by Yorkshire Forward – the Regional Development Agency, to boost trade and tourism by raising the profile of the region through its participation and hosting of one of the world’s most prestigious yacht races.

Ten 68ft boats crewed by ‘ordinary’ people each represent major international cities, states and countries, creating a unique platform for interacting on a global scale.
Hull and Humber companies are expected to generate millions of pounds of new trade on the back of this and the previous race in 2007-08.

Terry Hodgkinson, Chair of Yorkshire Forward, who started the Clipper Race in Hull in September, commented: “The novelty of making business links alongside the excitement of an international sporting event such as the Clipper Race has proved to be a powerful tool to introduce Hull & Humber businesses to potential partners and customers overseas. It positions the region alongside some of the world’s major trading capitals, showcasing our business and tourism assets on a global stage.”

A dozen local organisations are participating in the trade mission, representing ports, freight and logistics; manufacturers of specialist engineering components and building products; technology and knowledge sectors.

David Akroyd of Hull based international logistics company Alpha Associates UK is returning to South Africa after a very successful experience on the trade mission during the Clipper 07-08 race.

“We were introduced to a new agent in Cape Town two years ago when we went out alongside the last Clipper race,” said Mr Akroyd. “That relationship has gone from strength to strength and has resulted in mutually beneficial trade between us.

“We plan to meet to develop our relationship even further, together with agents we have appointed in Johannesburg and Durban, to source new business with South African companies that already trade with the UK, or to assist companies looking to establish business links with the UK through the Humber ports.”

On the other hand companies new to South Africa include Brough based specialist component manufacturer Tractair, a leading global supplier of specialist heavy duty air brakes primarily for agricultural tractors. The business has seen steady growth and in the last few years has relocated to a much larger factory in East Yorkshire.

The company says that despite the economic downturn it is constantly pursuing new opportunities in overseas markets and is currently working on major projects with two global tractor manufacturers.

“We supply many of the leading manufacturers of tractors, but because these specialist systems are not always a factory fitted option, there is a substantial market through major distributors and national franchised importers for retrofits,” explained Tractair Director Martin Constantine.

“Over 90% of what we produce is for export and in the current economic downturn we are being proactive. The opportunity to participate in this trade mission alongside the Clipper Race provides a timely opportunity for us to explore the South African market. We already have a number of high level meetings in the diary and are optimistic about the potential for positive outcomes.”

The South African market has great potential for Tractair as the agricultural sector is not the only part of the tractor market that can benefit from fitting air brakes, because tractors provide a low cost option to pull trailers capable of very heavy loads where speed is not important. Such applications include airports, dockside, mining and quarries, logging and road construction.

“In some agricultural applications such as sugar cane, tractors haul several trailers to form a 'land train'.  This form of heavy transport is very cost effective for the operator but obviously needs a very efficient braking system,” added Mr. Constantine.

The trade mission to South Africa is being coordinated on behalf of Yorkshire Forward by the Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce and facilitated by UK Trade and Investment at the British High Commission in Cape Town.

“We had significant success in South Africa during the Clipper 07-08 race,” said Pauline Wade, international trade director at Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce. “I am confident we can build on that success this year, despite the economic climate. Local companies have a lot to offer and now is the perfect time to get established in overseas markets.”

Press contact: Jonathan Levy – mobile 07813 948385

Organisations participating in the trade mission to Cape Town:

ABP   www.abports.co.uk      
Alpha Associates www.alphaa.co.uk        
Beatson Clark  www.beatsonclark.co.uk     
Kingspan Access Floors www.kingspanaccessfloors.co.uk   
Link2Energy  www.link2energy.co.uk      
Orovia   www.orovia.com www.evtweb.net
Premier Building and Engineering services www.premier-eng.co.uk      
Samskip  www.samskip.com       
Strategy Plus  www.strategy-plus.net     
Tractair   www.tractair.co.uk      
University of Hull – International Office www.hull.ac.uk