Dudley businesses were given a masterclass on global sales at an export roadshow.

The event, held on Wednesday (November 27), saw advisers from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) deliver presentations on the support available for businesses in the borough looking to expand internationally.

Industry-leading entrepreneurs based in Dudley shared their success stories, talking about how DBT assistance transformed their companies.

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Chris Emes, chairman of Kingswinford's industrial furnace suppliers Mechatherm International Ltd, lauded UK Export Finance for helping secure essential bank guarantees for new global markets.

Orthopaedic surgeon Mark Herron, managing editor of surgical e-learning platform OrthOracle, provided insight into his company's export journey, crediting DBT guidance for its market expansion.

Andrew and Jean Eardley, directors of cybersecurity firm MSP Easy Tools, detailed their transformation from ‘accidental exporters’ to DBT Export Champions, now selling 90 per cent of their services internationally.

DBT's international trade experts discussed market research, market selection, and adapting to global business cultures, with a focus on avoiding common pitfalls.

The event, ‘Made in Dudley Borough, Sold to the World’, was hosted at the Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre, with funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said: "It was fantastic to see so many businesspeople from the borough coming along to this event.

"Export has grown considerably in Dudley during the last few years and we want to make it easier for our firms to get into growing markets across the globe.

"We have some brilliant local businesses in sectors like advanced manufacturing and professional services and it was a pleasure to hear about their journeys into selling their products around the world, making use of the expert support provided by the trade advisers."

The roadshow concluded with the announcement of the Innovate Dudley Expo, set for Tuesday, March 11.