Yorkshire Bank backs world trade in Yorkshire

07/03/2007

The bank is backing the Yorkshire World Trade Forum (YWTF) which launches in Sheffield on Thursday, 8 March. As Patron of the event the bank wants to attract more foreign trade to Yorkshire and bring the associated benefits to businesses in the region.

Martin Ibbetson from Yorkshire Bank's South Yorkshire FSC explains: "This is a great opportunity for South Yorkshire companies to get involved in a very exciting project. With the support and involvement of Yorkshire's many world-class businesses there could be great financial and strategic opportunities for our area."

The YWTF aims to become the leading regional network organisation and forum for companies involved in import and export and any other international trade. 

The group formed through the work of several influential businessmen in South Yorkshire and is designed to provide members with access to various resources to support their export businesses.

Membership of the YWTF is currently around 50 firms principally within South Yorkshire but it is the intention of the group to grow this membership to more than 200 companies while also expanding its geographic coverage.  West Yorkshire is the next target with the group aiming to mirror the success of the neighbouring Midlands World Trade Forum.

"Our team at Yorkshire Bank plans to leverage opportunities to finance new international trade and the related banking needs for current and future business banking customers. We have a strong track record for financing overseas trade and related projects for locally-based companies and for companies looking to move into Yorkshire markets." explains Martin Ibbetson.