There are many ways to grow your business abroad. Here we provide examples, advice and tips on what (and what not) to do.
Exporting and International relations
Exporting is a great way to expand into new and emerging markets and also lessens the potential impacts on your business of changes in the UK economy.
Whether you’re a first-time exporter or a seasoned overseas trader looking to branch out into new markets, the Department for International Trade (DIT) provides unmatched international trade advice and practical support to UK-based companies. The Department for International Trade will give you a solid grounding in everything you need to know to begin exporting your products and services.
DIT runs a Passport to Export Service that offers export advice and assessments and support programmes for SMEs. These provide prospective exporters with training, planning and support in order to grow their services overseas.
Open to Export is also a great hub of international trading knowledge. Focusing primarily on SMEs, Open to Export is an online service that provides bespoke answers to your exporting questions. Also unique to Open to Export is that in addition to government support, it gives you the opportunity to speak directly to established exporters, lawyers, accountants and independent trade advisors.
Connect with your local Chambers of Commerce
For options closer to home, your local Chambers of Commerce offer a range of services to help exporters ‘maintain their competitive edge’ in the international marketplace. Working closely with the DIT, its Global Membership package features cost-saving benefits and added services, including online access to Tate’s Export Guide.
Do also get in touch with UK Export Finance , the UK’s export credit agency. It provides trade finance and insurance solutions and advice to support UK exporters.
If you’re looking for exporting inspiration watch our series of videos, visit Get Exporting to find out about the experiences of local companies that have grown their businesses through exporting.
Don’t forget to consider how you’re going to market yourself internationally: brush up on our marketing advice. You’ll need to consider how to internationalise your website and how to protect your intellectual property when trading outside the UK.