Although Bright Box quickly attracted interest, Cheryl recognised that exporting presented both opportunities and challenges. She had strong ideas about potential overseas markets but was aware of the risks of misalignment and lacked the confidence and networks needed to launch effectively. To address this, she joined the Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM) Export Support Programme through contact with the Black Country Chamber of Commerce and began working with their Export International Trade Adviser, Steve Parker.
The programme offered much more than signposting. Through one-to-one tailored discussions, Cheryl stress-test her service concepts and refine them to meet international demand. He drew on his market intelligence and overseas contacts to assess global opportunities, while also providing practical guidance on how to approach and engage potential clients. Together, they designed teaser strategies to capture attention, mapped opportunities across target markets, and developed plans for building credibility through projects and endorsements. Importantly, Cheryl was able to confront her concerns about networking and relationship-building by practising in the UK first, with Steve introducing her to relevant contacts to trial ideas before going abroad.
This support has already produced tangible results. Bright Box has moved from exploration to preparation, revising its services to emphasise clarity, control, and management of AI, alongside implementation. In doing so, the company has integrated new technologies and digital tools that were previously unused within the business, while also developing new and improved service offerings designed to meet foreign market demands and remain competitive. Most importantly, Cheryl has gained the confidence and practical know-how to position Bright Box internationally, ensuring that her initial ambitions are matched with the right strategy and support.
Cheryl Graham, Director of Bright Box, commented: “I really believe there is global potential for some new AI services that I am developing. The Business Growth West Midlands Exporting Support Programme is enabling me to internationalise and fine tune our services to maximise our chances of faster success. The programme adviser really understood the markets and used his UK and Overseas contacts to gain early introductions and shares ideas. We are looking forward to announcing Selected market launch plans very soon".
Bright Box’s journey shows how tailored export support can turn early ambition into an achievable international strategy. By combining Cheryl’s innovation with practical, bespoke guidance, the business is now ready to take confident steps into global markets.
David Zell, Assistant Delivery Manager, Business Programmes at West Midlands Combined Authority, added: “Business Growth West Midlands Exporting Support Programme, run by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce on behalf of WMCA, is a fantastic programme offering free, in-depth, subject-specific expertise support to businesses within the West Midlands, enabling them to grow their potential through international exporting channels.
“The team are incredibly supportive, knowledgeable and driven to ensure that businesses can thrive and grow off the support that is on offer. The programme is 100% committed to achieving success – and is one not to be missed.”
