8.30-9.00am Registration
9.00am-9.15am Opening address
9.15-9.45am: The Challenges and the Opportunities of doing business across the pond
An overview by Raimo De Vries, Vice President and European Representative of Fifth Third Bank.
9.45-11.00am: How to be a big fish across the pond
A number of advisers provide guidance on how to ensure success in exploiting the full potential of market opportunities in America, including:
- Peter Revers - former Chairman & CEO of Laura Ashley (North America) and now President & CEO of PDR Associates, a boutique specialist consulting firm focused on assisting foreign companies develop their US market presence.
- Clive Wray, General Manager UKTI South West - support available for companies doing business across the pond
- Malcolm Joy, partner, BDO Stoy Hayward - all you need to know about tax when doing business with the US.
- Doug Locke, Veale Wasbrough - protecting intellectual property
- James Evans, Director, Alliances and Partnerships, International Banking, Lloyds TSB - overview of expatriate services
11.00-11.15am Coffee
11.15am-12.30pm The Land of Opportunity - secrets of success to doing business with America
A number of SMEs will participate in a panel debate, which will give insights on how to gain a slice of the American pie, including:
- Edward Shaw, Chairman of Bristol-based independent food company Bart Spices, which manufactures a range of herbs, spices and coconut products.
- Nigel Nicholas, Chief Executive of Mobiventures, market leaders in the provision of mobile content and services
- Paul Albone, Projects & Research Director at ABS Biodiesel, a global project development company focusing on delivering a flexible and integrated approach to sustainable biodiesel and energy production.
- Simon Pomeroy, Managing Director of Pallatrax, makers of eco-friendly stone fishing weights
- Chris Hine, Marketing and Sustainability Adviser at HomeBlown, which manufacturers high quality surfboard foam and is currently successfully trading with America.
- Richard Duckworth, Managing Director, Blue Marble Solutions, provider of turnkey product solutions from design to delivery
- Rob Law, Director & Founder of Trunki, the children's suitcase, which doubles up as a ride on toy
12.30-1.15pm: Guest presentation
Joan Verplanck, President of the New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce
