Businesses in East Lindsey are being urged to take advantage of free international training and development opportunities, thanks to additional funding for PAB Sema4’s Global Gateway Programme. Following its success in helping Lincolnshire companies expand into global markets, the programme is now expanding its reach in East Lindsey, supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The Global Gateway Programme equips local businesses with practical skills for navigating international markets, targeting professionals across various sectors, from manufacturing to marketing. The aim is to boost both individual expertise and economic growth in the East Lindsey area, while fostering broader community development. Nigel Garner, E-commerce and Marketing Specialist at PAB Sema4, highlighted the benefits: “Our programme combines academic insight, hands-on industry experience, and cross-disciplinary research to prepare professionals for success in a global setting. It’s ideal for those leading multicultural teams in sectors like logistics and sales or navigating international markets. Global Gateway offers tailored strategies to help companies make their mark internationally.”
Businesses eligible for the programme, which is fully funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, will have access to expert training across areas such as intercultural communication, customer service, and digital localisation – skills increasingly essential in a globalised economy. Participants will learn practical strategies to enhance communication with international clients, manage diverse teams, and ensure customer satisfaction across cultures.
Iwona Lebiedowicz, Intercultural Communication Trainer at PAB Sema4, said the programme offers crucial insights into effective international engagement: “In today’s world, where many professionals work across cultures and borders, the messages we send don’t always translate as intended. National cultures shape our behaviours and communication styles, and these sessions aim to bridge those gaps, ultimately improving customer and team relations.”
The programme arrives at a time when poor customer service is recognised as a costly issue for UK businesses, with studies estimating losses of over £37 billion annually due to dissatisfied customers leaving for competitors. In the hospitality sector alone, poor service is thought to cost over £5 billion a year, with customers increasingly sharing negative reviews online, which can damage a company’s reputation. In this context, the Global Gateway Programme seeks to help East Lindsey businesses improve their customer service and retain clients by delivering better experiences in international contexts.
The training, set to begin in December, offers targeted courses, including Intercultural Communication for smoother client and team interactions, Customer Service tailored for diverse markets, and Website and Digital Content Localisation, aimed at building a robust international online presence. East Lindsey Councillors Steve Kirk and Adam Grist, who hold portfolios for the Coastal Economy and Market Towns, respectively, expressed their support for the initiative. “This programme not only helps local businesses grow but also empowers individuals to gain confidence in international trade. Supporting East Lindsey’s drive to get our businesses exporting is a key priority,” they said.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which replaced the European Structural and Investment Programme, funds initiatives that support business development, community building, and skill enhancement in rural areas. For East Lindsey businesses aiming to tap into global markets, PAB Sema4’s programme provides essential tools to succeed internationally, supporting the local economy in the process.
PAB Sema4 has also introduced a range of services to aid businesses in reaching global markets, from cross-cultural communication training to digital content localisation. For East Lindsey companies eager to take advantage, the new funding opens doors to practical support that could be pivotal to their future success in an increasingly interconnected world. For more information, visit https://www.pabsema4.co.uk/about-global-gateway