Jamaican Tech Entrepreneurs Forge New Paths in the UK
A group of five influential figures from Jamaica’s IT and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industries recently concluded an impactful business mission to the United Kingdom, focused on exploring fresh trade possibilities. The delegation included notable representatives: Omar Howell from Software Architects Limited, Dane Spencer, CEO of Smart Mobile Solutions, Kimone Roper, Senior Innovation Analyst at Innovate10X, Earl McDonald, CEO of VLBPO LLC, Dmitri Dawkins who serves as Director of Software Engineering and Technology Consulting & Commercial Director at MC Systems, and Conrad Robinson as Global Digital Services Manager for Jamaica Promotions Corporation (Jampro). They were accompanied by Haifa Ben Salem representing the UK Trade Partnership Programme (UKTP).
Enhancing Trade Relations Through Collaborative Efforts
This significant visit was organized under the umbrella of the UK Trade Partnership Programme (UKTP), a collaborative initiative supported by the British Government through funding from the International Trade Centre (ITC). This program aims to invigorate commercial relations between Jamaica and the UK.
“Throughout this week-long venture, participants enjoyed remarkable networking opportunities—including visits to Microsoft’s London office and strategic discussions with members of the UK Fresh Produce Network at a prestigious event held in the House of Lords,” stated a representative from the British High Commission in Jamaica.
Strengthening Connections through Networking Events
The Jamaican entrepreneurs also took part in an IT roundtable meeting along with a networking reception facilitated by their High Commission in collaboration with Jampro. According to Judith Slater, British High Commissioner to Jamaica: “This initiative provides an exhilarating chance for one of Jamaica’s most vibrant sectors to deepen its connections within the UK market. We aim to empower Jamaican companies with opportunities that can elevate them on a global scale.”
Building on Previous Initiatives for Sustainable Growth
The current mission builds upon previous workshops dedicated to capacity building that were conducted late last year. This initiative follows their participation at Mobile World Congress—the largest technology conference globally—held recently in Spain.
A Focused Approach Towards Market Expansion
The UKTP offers various resources including coaching sessions tailored towards export marketing strategies specific to entering or expanding within the UK market. The program facilitates business-to-business engagements designed explicitly for transforming interest into viable commercial contracts. Moreover, it makes use of favorable trading regulations set out under the Economic Partnership Agreement between Cariforum nations and the UK’s preferential trade terms—which provides Jamaican enterprises no duties on nearly all goods exported and improved access conditions for service providers.
Status Quo: The Growth Trajectory for IT & BPO Sectors
The high commission highlighted that Jamaica’s IT and BPO sectors play a pivotal role in driving national economic progress. By 2020 alone, these fields contributed almost US$900 million in revenue while sustaining over 60 vital employment positions according to data released by JAMPRO.
“The ongoing efforts represented by this mission are integral towards extending this success narrative further,” emphasized representatives from High Commission offices.” With these initiatives backing our entrepreneurs we are working diligently towards positioning Jamaica as an essential global player among digital service hubs.”
