Leading companies from the Bulgarian furniture industry participated in a Trade Mission to Manchester and Birmingham, United Kingdom, organized by the Bulgarian Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency (BSMEPA) in partnership with the Bulgarian Woodworking and Furniture Industry Chamber and the British-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce.

The trade mission was organized as part of Activity 6 „Organization, conduct, and participation of Bulgarian SMEs in trade missions abroad“ under Project BG16RFPR001-1.002-0001 „Implementation of Measures for the Internationalization of Bulgarian SMEs through the Support of the Bulgarian Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency (BSMEPA)“ under the Competitiveness and Innovation in Enterprises Program 2021-2027.

13 of the most successful Bulgarian small and medium-sized enterprises from the furniture industry participated in the International Spring Fair, which is held annually in Birmingham and is one of the most established trade fairs in Europe. The event impresses with its 75-year history, which over time has made it a significant platform for sharing knowledge, know-how, trends, and inspirations in the furniture and related industries. Representatives of Bulgarian businesses took part in various workshops and networking events.

Participants in the trade mission held meetings with leading expert and trainer, author of the “Executive Program on Professional and Business Networking” – Mr. Bob Spence, who shared strategies for successful business development in the UK.

The trade mission also included a visit to the Manchester Chamber of Commerce. During the visit, Bulgarian business representatives had the opportunity to learn about the structure and functioning of the Chamber, which has over 4,000 business members in Manchester and the surrounding region.

A major point of interest for the Bulgarian SMEs was the meeting with the representative of Rische Group. Founded in 1992, the company is a leader in comprehensive construction and equipment, operating nationwide and providing a wide range of services, including project management, interior furnishings, construction and repair work, planned maintenance, and trade partnerships. During the discussion, the Bulgarian companies had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the regulations if they wish to supply raw materials and products, as Bulgarian companies are considered reliable and secure partners in the UK.

The companies participating in the trade mission will also visit the production facility of Belcasa Concepts Ltd. – a leading company in the UK for soft furniture manufacturing.

*******

Project BG16RFPR001-1.002-0001
„Implementation of Measures for the Internationalisation of Bulgarian SMEs through Support for the Activities of the Bulgarian Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency“ under the „Competitiveness and Innovation in Enterprises“ Programme 2021-2027

This document was created with the financial support of the „Competitiveness and Innovation in Enterprises“ Programme 2021-2027, co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund. The entire responsibility for the content of the document lies with the Bulgarian Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency and under no circumstances can it be assumed that this document reflects the official position of the European Union and the Managing Authority.