UK Trade & Investment has joined forces with Accelerate to showcase the best automotive firms in the region at the bi-annual trade exhibition, Equip Auto, which takes place from 13-18 October 2005.
They have booked a booth - branded "West Midlands Automotive" - as a base for up to 20 companies for two or three days during the event as part of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders' British group.
The package of support available from UK Trade & Investment includes:
* Travel subsidy of up to 50 per cent of costs;
* Pre-and post event publicity in the UK and Paris;
* Company profiles and introductory cards in French and English;
* A networking event; and
* One to one meetings with potential clients and partners
In addition, bilingual business consultant Mich Dearman, who specialises in Anglo-French commercial dealings, will be on the booth to provide advice and support. He will also help companies with translations during meetings.
The event is part of the MG Rover Task Force programme, but is open to any small or medium-sized firm from the West Midlands in the automotive sector.
More than 130,000 people visited the last Equip Auto Show in 2003, which featured more than 2,000 exhibitors.
Helen Yendall, international cluster co-ordinator from UK Trade & Investment's West Midlands regional team, said: "This is a great opportunity for companies from across the region to take part in this prestigious event without the expense or commitment of booking their own stand.
"France is a hugely lucrative market right on their doorstep - the French automotive equipment and component sector business with the UK was worth 1.3 billion euros in 2003.
"We are aiming not only to provide business opportunities for them, but also to raise the profile of the region as a world-class automotive area by showcasing the skills and expertise of West Midlands firms to an international audience."
To book a place on the West Midlands Automotive stand, please email helenyendall@advantagewm.co.uk for an application form, or ring 0121 380 3587.
