CommonwealthFirst has been established by the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) to encourage small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to trade and invest across the Commonwealth; a market comprising of 53 English speaking countries with a combined population of 2.2 billion – at least 60% of whom are under the age of 30 – and a combined GDP of approximately US$9.6 trillion.
Over the next three years 100 leading UK SMEs will be selected to become Commonwealth Export Champions.
We are delighted to announce that Andy Thorne, Chairman of the Kestrel Group, has been chosen as a mentor for this initiative.
“This is a great opportunity for SMEs in the UK. It will see the companies selected, which will become Export Champions, receive intensive training, mentoring and business development support. With many years’ experience working with companies that export to the Commonwealth countries and a leading liner agency, Kestrel has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to exporting from the UK.
Representing more lines then any of our competitors we have handled a myriad of shipments. We are proud liner agents for several shipping lines that have a direct service to some of the countries in the Commonwealth, in particular shipping to the Caribbean. Because of this our expertise is second to none, I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge.”
Export Champions will be drawn from the very best in their markets and selected on their potential for innovation, level of impact and ambition. Whether start-ups or long established business, these CommonwealthFirst Export Champions will have high potential in taking advantage of the trading opportunities provided across the Commonwealth.
