MD of Kent company meets PM at 10 Downing Street for export discussions
Published: 08:38, 10 May 2013
faced by exporters like him.of Earl Grey before telling the Prime Minister about the challenges Tea-blending entrepreneur Alex Probyn came face to face with a picture
usinesses.the international trade and export-related issues faced by British bnear Sevenoaks, was in 10 Downing Street to speak about Mr Probyn, managing director of Blends for Friends, based in Shoreham,
Trade and Investment.Vince Cable was also at the meeting, along with officials from UK the UK explaining the difficulties they faced. Business Secretary He joined representatives from 13 other chambers of commerce across Thameside and West Kent. hundreds of members in Ashford, Maidstone, Canterbury, Medway, Kent The 37-year-old represented Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce which has
for finance and business support to realise this overseas growth.businesses of all shapes and sizes across the UK. We are all looking day-to-day issues I face in building my exports are the same faced by Mr Probyn said: “During the meeting it became apparent that the
say.”was, so I hope he and his officials really listened to what we had to “Mr Cameron sought an honest and frank discussion, which I felt it
looks like from the front door."Number 10 was like a Tardis, he said, “much bigger inside than it
."with Earl Grey, which I thought was rather fittingI looked at the portrait behind me and saw that I was face to face standing in front of the portraits of all the former Prime Ministers. He added: "Before the meeting we found ourselves
businesses across the UK for viable, tangible solutions.issue nationally, it is encouraging to see the government engage with delivery of economic growth and job creation becoming a more pressing Jo James, chief executive of Kent Invicta Chamber, said: “With the
an increase in Kent and UK exports would be welcomed by the chamber.”globe. Any forthcoming government scheme or initiative that leads to assistance in building such vital links with businesses across the significant business growth, which is why we provide our members with “We recognise that developing overseas trade can often lead to
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Trevor Sturgess