In a significant development for Jamaica’s burgeoning technology sector, Jamaican firm Shift Left Limited has secured multi-million US dollar contracts with UK-based partners. This success is directly attributed to the United Kingdom Trade Partnerships Programme (UKTP), a UK Government initiative aimed at fostering economic growth and increasing exports from Caribbean nations to the United Kingdom. The programme, delivered by the International Trade Centre (ITC), offers targeted training and crucial access to international business opportunities, underscoring the evolving landscape of business in Jamaica.
Empowering Jamaican Exporters Through Strategic Partnerships
The UK Trade Partnerships Programme (UKTP) is a key component of the UK Government’s commitment to supporting developing countries. Funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC), the program facilitates the maximization of benefits derived from Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) between the UK and ACP (African, Caribbean, and Pacific) countries. Its core objective is to stimulate trade, create quality jobs, and enhance the competitiveness of businesses in regions like the Caribbean.
The UKTP provides a comprehensive suite of services designed to prepare companies for international markets. This includes tailored export strategy coaching, vital compliance training such as General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and participation in international business-to-business (B2B) missions. These interventions are crucial for equipping local businesses with the knowledge, tools, and networks necessary to navigate complex global markets and secure lucrative deals.
Shift Left Limited’s Game-Changing Success
Shift Left Limited, a company specializing in software development, quality assurance, and staff augmentation, emerged as a prime beneficiary of the UKTP. Following its participation in the program, the company successfully engaged in a UK trade mission to London and participated in the global tech event, Mobile World Congress, in Spain. These engagements were instrumental in building trust, strengthening international readiness, and ultimately closing significant deals.
Andrew O’Reggio, Director and Co-founder of Shift Left Limited, described the UKTP Programme as a “game-changer” for the firm. “It provided the structure, strategy, and support we needed to prepare for international markets,” O’Reggio stated. “The export coaching and compliance training enabled us to confidently approach UK clients, while the B2B mission gave us the platform to build trust and close deals. Securing these contracts was a direct result of this support. We’re now not only export-ready, we’ve signed contracts and are now working to execute them.”
Shift Left was part of a cohort of 10 Jamaican IT and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies that benefited from UKTP-supported activities. These initiatives included an IT roundtable and business networking reception hosted by the Jamaican High Commission in London, further cementing Jamaica-UK trade ties.
Jamaica’s Thriving IT and BPO Sector
This achievement by Shift Left Limited highlights the significant potential and growth within Jamaica’s IT and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sectors. Collectively, these industries are vital engines of economic growth and employment for the island. As of 2020, the combined sectors generated nearly US$900 million in revenue and provided employment for over 60,000 professionals. The Jamaican government actively supports the growth of these industries through various initiatives, including incentives and infrastructure development, positioning the nation as a competitive player in the global digital services market.
The UKTP Programme continues to support businesses in Jamaica and across the Caribbean, aiming to boost exports by leveraging the benefits of the UK-CARIFORUM Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). The success of companies like Shift Left Limited serves as a testament to the effectiveness of such international collaboration in driving economic development and creating valuable opportunities for Jamaican businesses on the global stage. The positive news from this initiative signals a promising future for Jamaica’s role in international trade and its technological advancements.