SERVICES Go Global – Participant Evaluation Report – Antigua and Barbuda – June 2015 1

SERVICES Go Global

Participant Evaluation Report: Antigua & Barbuda Pilot Session - 15th to 19th June 2015

Section 1 – Participant Information The following report summarizes the participants’ evaluation following the Pilot Session.

Participants RGConsultBz Natura Creations Nc original FOCUS LTS T/A THE ANTIGUA CANDLE FACTORY Breekat Enterprises Ltd ABIA SeaIsland Wellness Spa Sympatico Media Redninko

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SECTION 2

1. QUALITY OF THE TRAINERS Please rate the overall quality of the trainers

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SECTION 3 - QUALITY OF THE TRAINING MATERIALS

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OVERALL RELEVANCE [Please rate the relevance of the topics covered in each of the 12 modules as they relate to the needs of your company.]

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SECTION 4

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My knowledge on the role of trade agreements such as the EPA and its consequences on my export activities has increased:

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Please elaborate on Best Practices

Legal Framework Market research and intelligence Strategic alliances

Assessing cultural practices to ensure successful business endeavors.

NA

Knowing the cultural landscape of the country/countries I wish to export to and also business etiquette. Ensuring that the groundwork is done especially the financial arena - having a financial plan and understanding the importance of keeping good records and negotiating effectively.

Best practices that the workshop taught/highlighted/reinforced included how integral market research before entering the myriad markets is to success; the need for business, marketing, financial and export plan; the need for clear, measurable objectives a business is powered by more than just passion.

Market preparationWhile many were discussed, these need to be elaborated in a best practice manual for the export of services with emphasis on the competencies required

In the Spa community we are currently working on standards to promote and follow Best Practices in the industry

What challenges have you encountered, if any, in entering export markets?

N/A as yet

None yet

Na

N/A - not yet exporting

LOGISTICAL ISSUES WITH SHIPPING TEAMING UP WITH THE RIGHT WHOLESALER - STRATEGIC ALLIANCE COMMUNICTING EFECTIVELY THE FEATURES AND BENEFITS OF OUR PRODUCTS TO THE FIELD SALES PERSONNEL

My approach has been mainly at the levels of the OECS and CARICOM secretariats. These "shops" seem to be protected by the old-boys' network and a closed network. The same set of consultants seem to get most of the projects. After sending proposals, one has to work tirelessly to even get acknowledgement of receipt. This training has helped to focus my mind on other points of entry.

Trends vary. I have to adapt to what's booming in a country sometimes in terms of design execution.

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Has this training helped you to understand how you might address some of these challenges?

What types of technical assistance can be provided to your company to enhance its overall export goals?

Follow up with further supporting info on all modules and sub modules Financial and Legal Frameworks NA Not sure BUILDING WEBSITE Create a website Follow up and review of completed plan Crafting a realistic and effective export plan Improved equipment

How can the ABCSI assist in this regard?

REVIEW DRAFT

I am quite sure that they can as my business develops

Financing my business

For me to be able to consult with the members here for direction and recommendations as we chart our way to the export market

Na

Indicate what professional/technical is available and at what cost if there are costs attached. Make available a list of approved individuals who can help SMEs with the technical aspects. Indicate what other skills and competencies training ABCSI can provide provide a listing of websites and organizations that can help SMEs

Continue to promote the importance of export services

Yes will be contacting your services

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SECTION 5

5. GENERAL

How did you find out about this training programme?

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Would you recommend this training programme to others?

Yes 100% No 0%

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Overall Comments on the SERVICES Go Global Training Programme:

Excellent programme...chock full of information and resources that can enable a company or business to navigate the road to successful business and especially the export market environment

Well received. Awesome initiative. Would do it again. Properly put together. Would highly recommend this to anyone. Only thing, it was fast paced. But overall incredible.

This was an informative programme that will be of direct benefit to me. I was here in a dual role, for my own communications start-up, Sympatico Media, and my family company, Challenger's Enterprises Ltd., and this will help both. I can see how the programme will positively impact Challenger's in the short term.

None at this point

Excellent!

Excellent programme.

Very beneficial.