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Break Point
In partnership with DFID, Caribbean Export implemented the Business Reality
television series, Break Point, which sought to demonstrate the advantages of the
CARIFORUM-EUEPA for regional firms and generate awareness for the Agreement
in the region. The series also exposed CARIFORUM firms to opportunities for
increased exports to the EU market, through distribution channels, investment,
and joint ventures, as well as provided regional and international exposure
for CARIFORUM firms.
From a list of 60 applicants, 30 firms were shortlisted based on evaluation criteria
that spoke to demand, innovation, brand strength, EPA application, speed to
market, and management strength. These firms then went through Break Point
preparatory sessions with coaches and mentors, where they were provided
with tools to improve their presentation skills and received feedback on how to
enhance their business pitches and presentations. The journey of these 30
Caribbean entrepreneurs began from their initial preparatory sessions, to their
regional pitches, the subsequent selection process that followed, all the way to
the 12 firms’ final pitches in London, on August 9, 2012 at Grosvenor House. The
final 12 firms represented 10 CARIFORUM countries and represented a diverse
range of sectors and industries, including Agro-Processing, Creative Industries,
Light Manufacturing, and Professional services.
The European investors and distributors in London for the finals were Peter
Martin, Managing Director of International Brands; Mark Lewis, internationally
acclaimed music and television producer; Alexander Amosu, global technology
mogul; Jonathan Pfahl, Founder of the RockstarMentoring Group; Doug Richard,
Founder of School for Start-ups; and Keynes Emeruwa, Founder
of Real Angels Global Solutions.
Break Point was broadcasted in 15 CARIFORUM states, and the seven countries
in the wider Caribbean. Based on participant testimonials, the initiative exposed
CARIFORUM firms to opportunities for increased exports to the EU market,
through investment, joint ventures, or EU distribution channels, as well as
prepared CARIFORUM firms to present their business ideas to potential investors
and other business linkages.
Built To Last - Sport Documentary
In 2012, Caribbean Export commissioned the development of a documentary to
highlight 50 years of the region’s success in sports. Dubbed as the story of the
Caribbean’s emergence in global sports. The 50-minute documentary chronicles
the stories of Caribbean men and women competing in a range of Olympic, Para-
Olympic and non-Olympic sports. Moving away from stereotypes, the film not
only depicts the story of how these
individuals and teams progressed
from unknowns to household names,
but it also shares the backstories -
the obstacles these men and women
overcame in order to excel at their
chosen sports. The documentary,
which also examines themes of politics,
race, and identity, follows different
sporting genres including boxing,
cricket, football, rugby, swimming,
and athletics. Built to Last debuted in
London at the British Film Institute on
August 3, 2012. Subsequent to London,
Built to Last made it’s regional debut at
the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival.
The screening of the film was followed
by a round-table discussion on the
theme “Sports as a Driver of Economic
Development”.
London Engage, and subsequent
initiatives, have provided Caribbean
SMEs, BSOs and entrepreneurs with
the platform needed to break into
the European market. The UK-based
export development and investment
promotioninitiativesawrepresentation
from regional priority sectors including
Agro-processing, Creative Industries,
Manufacturing, Professional Services
and Sports Tourism. Some 75%
of the participants in the London
Engage activities cited an increased
understanding of the CARIFORUM-EU
EPA. This knowledge was gained via
presentations and discussions held, as
well as EPA Briefs distributed during
the Study Tours, Business Forum, and
Break Point. Beneficiaries were also
able to establish legitimate contacts in
Europe, Africa and the Caribbeanwith a
range of firms includingmanufacturers,
ENHANCING COMPETITIVENESS
AND PROMOTING INNOVATION