US-based business development consultant and Yorkshire native Steve Clark travelled more than 3,000 miles to share insights with Leeds marketers this week at an event in the city organised by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and global audit, tax and consulting firm RSM.
The event, held at RSM’s office in Leeds, was attended by more than 20 delegates from Yorkshire businesses in a wide range of sectors including engineering firms, medical devices and marketing agencies, all planning on starting or increasing their US exports post-Brexit.
Steve Clark, a veteran business development and sales consultant, left his native Leeds for Boston 25 years ago, and came home to the city to give insights on the US market in 2017 alongside fellow Great British Marketing and Appeal PR consultant Paul Snape who has PR and marketing clients both in the UK and USA.
The two speakers outlined recent shifts in culture and new marketing challenges that Yorkshire businesses will face when trading with the USA following a momentous year in American politics.
“I might have left Yorkshire a long time ago, but I will always be a tyke at heart, and I jumped at the chance to share some experience from the US to help businesses here to plan their marketing and business development. Some of the firms we met are great success stories already that have vast potential in North America, and if we were able to help them get closer to exporting, or expanding there, that’s very satisfying for Paul and I who both have a great affinity for the city,” said Mr Clark.
Chloë Ellis, tax partner and RSM’s head of international in Yorkshire, said: \”Having access to experts who know the market, whether in the US, Europe or globally, is key to effectively trading within international jurisdictions. The recent CIM event was the perfect forum to share best practice with Yorkshire businesses looking to maximise commercial opportunities with the States.”
Diane Earles, network manager of CIM, said: \”It was really valuable to get first hand knowledge of marketing and business development in the USA, and the businesses that attended gained a great deal of insight into the general media and marketing trends.
“Steve and Paul also gave very valuable insight and advice on the very different business culture in the States, and how the recent election there has changed people’s attitudes and the trends that we wouldn’t be aware of from this side of the Atlantic. I can’t thank Steve enough for making the trip to speak,\” she added.
Parties interested in receiving the materials presented at the event can do so by emailing info@greatbritishmarketing.com