Also in the news...
Transfer of residence to the UK
Find out how to import your personal belongings, pets and private motor vehicles when moving or returning to the UK.
Norway's WTO Trade Policy Review: UK Statement
UK Statement at Norway’s World Trade Organization Trade Policy Review. Delivered by the UK's Permanent Ambassador to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley.
UK-Norway Iceland Liechtenstein free trade agreement
Business guidance, reports and other documents to help you understand the UK-Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein free trade agreement (FTA).
Essential Steps Before Launching an International Auction Business
Expanding a business internationally presents unique challenges, particularly when that business involves auctions. The global auction market continues to grow as more entrepreneurs see its potential for reaching new customers across borders. However, success in this specialised field requires careful planning and the right technological foundation.
Innovative Welsh exporter puts Britain at the forefront of global immunisation efforts
UK Export Finance supports renewable energy tech company Dulas to deliver life-saving vaccine refrigerators to over 80 countries worldwide.
Programme to support fledgling exporters launched by trade minister
Francis Maude announces programme of expert advice and support to help companies expand into international markets for the first time.
Minister for Trade and Investment Francis Maude has today (18 May 2015) announced a programme of expert advice and support, to help companies expand into international markets for the first time, to mark the beginning of Export Week 2015.
The First Time Exporters (FTE) initiative, which is run by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), is a new package of support which includes training and advice for companies selling overseas for the first time. This includes the opportunity to take part in trade missions to nearby markets to help them develop their first contacts with foreign buyers. It also helps companies who are considering exporting for the first time, to take advantage of digital opportunities, offering dedicated digital trade advisers and an online tool designed to assist their export planning.
UKTI is the government department that helps UK-based companies sell overseas and assists overseas companies to bring investment to the UK. Last year UKTI supported nearly 48,000 companies, reporting additional sales of £49.1 billion.
Export Week, which is devised and led by UKTI, will see over 1,500 businesses taking part in 70 events UK-wide aimed at inspiring them to start their export journey or increase their international business. The varied programme will include practical workshops and masterclasses, exporting clinics with UKTI specialists and networking opportunities, as well as digital support services such as webinars and Twitter talks.
Potential exporters are also currently being offered an outstanding platform to showcase their business to the world and maximise their full potential in international markets at the Milan Expo 2015, which launched on 1 May 2015. The UK Pavilion has hosted around 100,000 visitors since launch. As part of UKTI’s Grown in Britain global business programme, companies participating in Expo will be able to meet global buyers who have the potential to become valuable export partners. UKTI aims that business activity linked to Milan Expo will deliver £1 billion economic benefit to the UK over time.
Trade and Investment Minister Francis Maude said:
We hope that the launch of First Time Exporters will encourage more companies to take their first steps on the export journey and take advantage of the demand for British goods and services that exists overseas. With the Milan Expo bringing the world to our doorstep and Export Week just beginning, there has never been a better time for British businesses to realise their potential and find overseas customers.
Last year we saw 48,000 companies draw on UKTI support; these businesses went on to create or safeguard 220,440 additional jobs. I would urge businesses of all sizes to use this opportunity to find out more about the services that are available to them through UKTI, regardless of their level of exporting experience.