Exporters underestimate time to market

London, 11th May 2004 (PROTEXT/ots) - New exporters are likely to run into financial trouble because they greatly underestimate the time it takes to start selling in new markets, a recent survey by export specialist Winweb International Ltd. revealed.

Exporters (64%) think they can reach new markets within 6 months. However, international trade commissioners (89%), who help companies to export, say it takes more than 6 months. Underestimating the time, and thereby the cost, for setting up in another country has a significant financial impact on exporters core business.

Stefan Töpfer, founder and CEO of Winweb, said: These findings highlight the importance of getting expert advice on exporting. Government agencies, chambers of commerce and specialist companies like Winweb should be consulted at the planning stage. They can help to draw a more realistic picture and thereby increase the chances of exporting success significantly.

In your opinion, time to new market in new countries takes:

Exporters

Trade commissioners* 1-3 months

17% 0% 3-6 months 47%

11% 6-12 months

23% 56% more than a year 13%

33%

* For more details about the survey conducted amongst trade commissioners, please see our press release from the 2nd March 2004 on www.winweb.com or contact Andreas Gutjahr.

Results are taken from ongoing research conducted by Winweb International Ltd. in more than 13 countries in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

For more information about Winweb and Winweb Global Office visit www.winweb.com.

For further information please contact: Andreas Gutjahr Head of Marketing Winweb International Ltd. Press Hotline: 0870 873 5610 Mobile phone: 0870 873 5614 andreas@winweb.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Š 2004 by WinwebŽ International Ltd.

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