Last year Xero won the international Technium challenge which gives a company a real boost to market entry work in the UK.
The TC is on again in 2008, details below;
YOUR CHANCE TO TAKE UP THE 2008 TECHNIUM CHALLENGE
If you’re ready to accelerate your plans to set up a UK / EU sales and marketing office or work with UK partners and distributors to deliver your offerings to 400 million customers, then you’re ready to begin with the Technium Challenge.
Auckland, 4 February 2008 – Now’s the opportunity for smart Kiwi companies like yours to take the next step on the global stage. Up for grabs is your chance to launch into UK, European and other international markets. How? Simply by entering the 2008 Technium Challenge.
The Technium Challenge (www.technium.co.uk) is a unique business planning competition that helps winners expand overseas. Sony Corporation’s global CEO and Welshman Sir Howard Stringer has thrown his support behind the Technium Challenge this year and joined the final judging panel.
The Technium Challenge is ideal for smart Kiwi technology companies.
New Zealand’s own Xero won the inaugural worldwide Technium Challenge in 2007, beating entrants from China, France and South Africa. Xero, a leading web-based accounting provider has used the award to build a platform to enter the European market.
Says CEO Rod Drury of the experience: “We were thrilled to win such a prestigious award and we really recommend other Kiwi companies make the effort to enter the Challenge. We’ve since taken full advantage of a range of specialist knowledge and support to help build our successes.”
The lucky New Zealand finalist will make their way to Cardiff in May for their ‘Learning Journey to Wales’ with a business class airfare. Here they will compete against other country finalists in the final leg of the competition.
Technium winners receive a host of benefits including:
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- free UK office space for a year within a Technium Innovation centre and an intense international arrival support package;
- on-going guidance and support for developing an international business plan;
- New Zealand’s finalist will be taken on a Learning Journey to Wales where they will be introduced to like-minded companies, advanced business networks, government representatives for UK Trade and Investment and leading researchers in their field.
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Application is simple. The first step is to complete the attached form and return it via email to Julien Leys. Then, you will submit an executive summary (1 – 2 pages) of your Company’s business plan to Rhodri Jones, International Business Wales; or Julien Leys at the contact addresses below.
The closing date for entries is 5 p.m. Friday 28 March 2008.
Good luck!
For further information on entry, please contact:
Rhodri Jones, Vice President, IBW, Rhodri.Jones@wales-uk.com
Ph +612 8211 2712, Mob +61 400 301140
Julien Leys, JML Communications, julien@jmlcommunications.co.nz
Ph +64 9 358 2828, Mob +64 21 655 598
