Trading overseas
There is a lot to take into account when you want to start trading overseas.
Department for Business & Trade (DBT)
The Department for Business & Trade (DBT) work closely with UK based businesses to ensure success in international markets, by helping to export products and services overseas. They have access to a large network of contacts, including staff in Embassies and Consulates around the globe, in more than 100 international markets, so they are well positioned to research opportunities and help your business to break into new markets.
DBT can support your business with the following services:
Trade Advisors
Local businesses can book a free 30 minute video consultation with an International Trade Advisor.
You can contact our local DIT Advisor at:
- email: ditmidlands@trade.gov.uk
- website: Business Advice Service
Export Academy
The Export Academy provides free webinars, round table meetings and mentoring sessions, to learn how to sell to customers around the world with confidence. If you complete the whole programme, you will graduate with a completed export action plan, enabling you to take your business direct to international customers.
- email: Kerry Bailey - Kerry.bailey@trade.gov.uk
- website: Export Academy - Great.GOV.UK
- website: Upcoming events - Export Academy - GOV.UK
Empowering SMEs in International Trade Programme
If you are a novice or an experienced importer or exporter based in the East Midlands, this programme provides 30 plus hours of fully funded strategic and operational support, to address your international trade challenges and/or expedite your global ambitions. Whilst the programme has a framework, support is 100% client-led and fully adaptable to ensure it delivers the greatest value to you and your business.
- email: contact@globaltradedept.com
- website: Empowering SMES in International Trade
Markets guides
You can download free market guides to support your research plans and sign up for business events near you.
- email: ditmidlands@trade.gov.uk
- telephone: 0345 052 400
- website: Department for International Trade - Overseas markets information
Get help to sell online, worldwide
Let the Department for International Trade help you export your products to consumers around the world through online marketplaces.
The UK trade show programme
Small or medium enterprises in the UK that are currently exporting or thinking about exporting, but are not currently doing so can apply for support. Support is offered to help businesses exhibit at or attend approved overseas trade shows and conferences. Grants between £2000 and £4000 to may be available to cover some costs; businesses must apply 6 weeks prior to the event.
Connect with international buyers
Let buyers find you by setting up a free business profile that highlights your company’s projects and experiences, to give buyers insight into what you do.
- website: Create a business profile on GOV.UK
Other overseas trading resources
Open to Export
Open to Export is a free online information service for small and medium enterprises looking for support to grow internationally by exporting from the UK. Companies can work together and share information, advice and support about export market opportunities and means of entry. The information, answers, advice, and articles on Open to Export are all composed by the site's users, community, and key contributors.
- website: Open to Export
Enterprise Nation International Trade Hub
The Enterprise Nation International Trade Hub provides advice and information on how small businesses can successfully import, export and expand overseas. You can also use this hub to access Deloitte’s easy to use platform, which helps you to submit your own customs declarations.
- website: International Trade Hub
Mentor City, USA
The US is the UK’s largest export market for goods and services, and accounts for 20.4% of all exports from UK which is worth £140.9 billion. Mentor City in Ohio have opportunities for local companies across a broad range of industries. They can help UK businesses ‘do business’ in the US, by connecting them with the right people such as lawyers, distributors, partners, manufacturers and identify investment opportunities and commercial sites, should you wish to expand your operations and establish a base over there.
If you’re serious about wanting to access new markets in the US, then the city of Mentor could be an excellent first step. Similarly, Mentor City have businesses looking to establish trade links over here, so this offers an excellent opportunity for Ashfield businesses to explore mutually beneficial relationships and trade with the US.
- email: Kevin Malecek, Director - malecek@cityofmentor.com
- website: Explore New Markets in USA
Innovate UK Edge
If you want to break into international markets and adjacent sectors to ‘grow’ and ‘scale-up’, then Innovate UK Edge can help. They have lots of connections, expertise and run a series of targeted global programmes that are supported by industry specialists. They can help you to learn about specific international markets and build relationships with overseas companies.
- email: midlands@innovateukedge.ukri.org
- website: Innovate UK Edge