World Trade Centre Hull and Humber seeks advisory group members

Fifteen business leaders are being sought to act as key advisers to World Trade Centre Hull and Humber.

Andy Mowbray, the centre’s new manager, said the advisory group was being invited to play a crucial role in the centre’s future by helping to enhance international trade development for the benefit of the local and regional economy.

With the centre due to open at Humber Quays in May, World Trade Centre partners are seeking nominations for the advisory group of business experts from the Humber region’s business community, particularly those engaged in product development, manufacturing, distribution, shipping and related services.

Mr Mowbray explained: “Acting as the commercial sounding board for new ideas and development plans, the advisory group will give a market-based perspective on opportunities and priorities for successful World Trade Centre operations and further development of added value services.

“Members will also have the opportunity to act as ambassadors at World Trade Centre events and have free membership of the centre.”

In his former role, Hull-born Mr Mowbray was business development manager for Hull Citybuild where his responsibilities included heading the successful Bondholder scheme. He added that the advisory group would play an active role in guiding the centre and securing its growth and be a key component in the direction of the World Trade Centre, its governance and operation.

“The advisory group is expected to scrutinise and guide the World Trade Centre partnership board and management on key issues and opportunities that can improve delivery performance and assist achievement of the centre’s operating plan.

“Members will bring knowledge to the table and add significant value to World Trade Centre Hull and Humber operations,” said Mr Mowbray.

Mr Mowbray said that while the role of an advisory was seen as crucial to successful development of the centre, members would not hold executive responsibilities, financial control, or direct powers, but instead would increase accountability for its success and effectiveness.

The World Trade Centre Advisory Group will comprise up to 15 people and meet quarterly.

Nominations for the group should be proposed to Andy Mowbray who can be contacted on 01482 387450 or andy.mowbray@hullforward.co.uk

Businesses can find out more about the services of the World Trade Centre Hull and Humber at www.wtchull.co.uk>

For more information contact:
Catherine Ackroyd, Mapa
tel: 01482 589900 / 07739 139056
Email: Catherine@mapa.org.uk

Notes to editors:
• World Trade Centres Association is a global organisation, with headquarters in New York, formed with the purpose of enhancing world trade. There are currently 309 World Trade Centres in the world serving 750,000 companies, but only two operating in the UK, Hull & Humber and Belfast, Ireland.
• World Trade Centre Hull and Humber is funded through Yorkshire Forward and Hull City Council, with support from UK Trade and Investment and the University of Hull. The intention is that it will work towards a commercially sustainable position, through selling services.

Its partners include: 
• Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce
• Hull Forward
• Hull City Council
• Humber Economic Partnership
• UK Trade Investment
• University of Hull
• Yorkshire and Humber Centre for International Business Education and Research
• Yorkshire Forward

Its services include: 
• Acting as the first point of contact for all trade and investment enquiries
• Providing leadership for the promotion of trade and investment
• Organising trade missions to explore new markets and receive delegations
• Providing current information on products and services in the city region; perform customised trade research; and offer contacts, leads and referrals
• Offering practical international trade courses
• Taking a leading role in hosting trade-oriented events, and have year-round display space for local products and services
• Providing a one-stop-shop for information and trade links
• Providing ‘front of house’ facilities for companies to do business in high quality surroundings
• Providing a ‘front door’ for overseas companies to do business in the UK.