Calling notice for February 2004 meeting

Club Meeting
Thursday 12th February 2004 - 6.15 for 6.30 p.m.
George & Abbotsford Hotel, Melrose
- How Others See Us! -
Sponsored by Extraordinair Ltd.

This is a meeting with a difference. One that allows us to take an inward look at ourselves. We have invited a French and German national, both with a wealth of experience in international business and trade, to respond to the question, 'How others see us'?

Have you ever wondered when preparing to travel overseas on business what initial impression you will convey? Do the French and Germans look favourably upon people and products from Scotland? Do we try hard enough to create the right impression? Should we, for example, attempt to master at least a smattering of the language, and have our literature professionally translated. The answer to these and many more questions will be addressed in the 'How others see us' presentations.

Our first speaker is Hubert Grandval, French Trade Commissioner for Scotland & Nothern Ireland, who will comment from the French perspective on how well the Scots do business, our good and bad points, and how we might increase our chances of successfully exporting into France. Hubert has spent many years attached to French Embassies in London, Norway, Mexico, and Africa, so is well qualified on the subject of international trade.

Our second speaker is from Germany, Udo Selwert-Fauti, Managing Director and Deputy Head of a radio station in Frankfurt, and currently a member of the Scottish Parliament Journalists Association. Udo is also an advisor on Scottish / German continental political and institutional links, and he regularly writes articles for German and French media magazines.

The EU is by far the most successful export market for Scottish products, with France and Germany taking the lion's share. This is a unique opportuntity to hear at first hand 'How others see us', and to take consider what preparations you perhaps need to take on board before next venturing overseas.

If you would like to increase your exports this meeting promises to be quite informative.

All Scottish Borders Export Club events are open to anyone with an interest in Exporting, everyone is welcome - be they members or not, manufacturers, designers, or service providers.

As usual the presentations will be followed by a finger buffet giving you the opportunity to meet with like-minded business people from Scottish Borders companies with an interest in International Trade. We look forward to welcoming you.

Club Meeting
Thursday 12th February 2004 - 6.15 for 6.30 p.m.
George & Abbotsford Hotel, Melrose
- How Others See Us! -
Sponsored by Extraordinair Ltd.

AGENDA

 Time (pm)                           Topic                                            Speaker

   6.15 for 6.30 p.m.           Arrival - tea & Coffee

   6.30                                 Welcome and Introductions        Mike Wilson, Club Captain

                                           France                                         Hubert Grandval           French Consulate 

                                           Germany                                     Udo Selwert-Fauti           Journalist

                                           A word from our Sponsor           Extraordinair Ltd

                                           Vote of thanks                            Mike Wilson, Club Captain

   8.30 - 9.45                      Buffet Supper and networking