CASE STUDIES

Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce

INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INVESTMENT EVENTS

The Chamber plays a vital role in supporting SMEs to access and grow in international markets. By delivering high-quality trade events, we provide businesses with the practical knowledge, networks, and confidence they need to expand globally.

In March 2025, we hosted Navigating Global Trade: Opportunities, Challenges and Strategies, a flagship event that brought together international experts and business leaders. The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Mawtor N.K. Alifo, Acting High Commissioner of Ghana, who shared insights on the future of global trade.

Attendees also benefitted from a panel discussion featuring trade officials, business leaders, and advisors covering opportunities and challenges in new markets, including regulatory issues, cultural considerations, and supply chain resilience. Special guests from MUSIAD UK and Malaysia Link UK added further value, while the networking session enabled SMEs to form meaningful international connections.

Most recently, in September 2025, we delivered the International Trade Event at the University of Cambridge’s Institute for Manufacturing. This event, tailored for SMEs, featured a distinguished line-up including His Excellency Do Minh Hung, Vietnamese Ambassador, who delivered the keynote speech and engaged directly with businesses exploring new opportunities. He was joined by senior representatives from the Arab British Chamber of Commerce, Embassy of Peru, MIDA London, and AICEP Portugal, all offering valuable market insights and investment guidance.

Together, these initiatives demonstrate the Chamber’s role in driving international growth by connecting businesses directly with embassies, trade organisations, and investment agencies. Importantly, these events have opened doors for participating businesses by facilitating introductions to international partners, generating export leads, and initiating cross-border collaborations.By equipping SMEs with actionable insights and high-level networks, we strengthen the local economy and empower companies to succeed on the world stage.

GHANAIAN MARKET ENTRY

With UK growth forecasts halved for 2025, many businesses are seeking opportunities abroad. The Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to helping members expand globally, providing the tools, connections, and confidence to enter new markets.

A recent success story is GCE Hire Fleet, a provider of construction service products, who approached the Chamber with ambitions to enter Ghana and wider West Africa. Our support began with tailored market research, analysing consumer preferences, competition, and regulatory frameworks. This gave GCE Hire Fleet a strong foundation for developing a market entry strategy that reflected both business realities and cultural nuances.

Recognising that relationships are central to international trade, we leveraged our global networks to facilitate introductions to potential buyers and local partners. We then accompanied the business on a trade visit to Ghana, arranging meetings with key stakeholders and providing on-the-ground support. This direct engagement not only helped to build trust but also enabled GCE Hire Fleet to adapt their offering in response to local feedback.

The outcome was a series of successful negotiations and the establishment of long-term commercial relationships, positioning the business to grow sustainably in the region.

This case demonstrates the Chamber’s practical role in helping members expand internationally—through research, networking, trade missions, and expert guidance. By empowering businesses to access new markets, we strengthen both the local economy and the UK’s wider international trade footprint. Our commitment remains clear: to ensure members succeed on the global stage.