Organisation Profile
Issue No. 13 - October/November 2003
League of Exporting Gentlemen
South Australia is well known for innovative exporting and our products and services can be found in many corners of the globe. Our motor vehicles, wines, high value—added foodstuffs and ICT products are just some of the items which are well received internationally.
Less well known are many of the so—called invisible exports which include professional services in fields such as engineering, architecture, marketing and agribusiness. Indeed, South Australia may soon be ‘exporting’ its own export expertise, in the form of our unique Exporters Club format.
Exporters’ Clubs are unique to South Australia. One other country, the United Kingdom, is known to have similar bodies, but the UK version is quite different.
Exporters’ clubs now operate as legally established franchises. The first Club was formed in 1996 and is based at Hindmarsh, covering the North—West Adelaide region. The second, established as a franchise in 2001, is based in Morphett Vale, covering the Onkaparinga region.
The uniqueness of the Clubs lies in their birth, having been created as a Local Government concept within clearly defined geographical boundaries. Services provided to members within these boundaries focus on emerging exporters. The mission statement has a very strong but simple message: “Helping Small Business Export”.
Rapid Growth
In the space of a very few years, the two Clubs have built a formidable following. Membership today, based on those currently listed as active fee—paying members, totals more than 200 companies representing diverse products and services.
Current exporters have a wide range of target markets and emerging exporters reflect much of the innovative spirit which dominates export activity in South Australia today.
The two Exporters’ Clubs are incorporated as associations and have individual Boards. The Boards meet separately each month, pursue different but related business plans...
