Ilkley Brewery boss bound for Brazil (From Wharfedale Observer)

Chris Ives, managing director and head brewer of Ilkley Brewery, will visit Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro as part of an event organised by Santander Bank’s Breakthrough programme

6:00am Friday 26th October 2012 in Local news

The boss of a rapidly expanding microbrewery is to join an international trade mission to explore export opportunities in Brazil.

Chris Ives, managing director and head brewer of Ilkley Brewery, will visit Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro as part of an event organised by Santander Bank’s Breakthrough programme.

The mission will include executives from ten companies.

Delegates will learn how the market works in terms of distribution, customer expectations, competitive landscape and regulation.

Each company will have a programme of specially-tailored business introductions, and will meet with the British Consulate and local UK Trade & Investment representatives.

Chris Ives said: “Taking part in an organised trade mission offers fantastic support in establishing contacts and making appointments in a new and unknown environment.

“This is the kind of support that can really give businesses the boost they need to venture into a new overseas market.”

Breakthrough Inter-national is part of Santander’s Breakthrough programme, which is providing up to £200 million of capital to fast-growth companies with an annual turnover of up to £10 million.

The programme also offers businesses access to a range of support and development programmes, including the international trade missions.