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Trading overseas

There is a lot to take into account when you want to start trading overseas.

Department for Business and Trade (DBT)

The Department for Business and 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:

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.

Ashfield trading overseas programme

The is being delivered by East Midlands Chamber and is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). It forms part of Ashfield District Councils new Accelerator Programme and offers supports to local businesses to ‘tap into’ global markets. Small and medium sized enterprises will be supported by specialist consultants to address any import and export challenges, including; finding new markets, suppliers, distributors and trade events.

Go Global

Enterprise Nation and Santander have partnered to provide free guidance, training and tailored support to help UK businesses sell overseas. This programme is delivered online and consists of webinars, e-learning modules and e-books, to give businesses all the support and guidance they need to kickstart and grow their international trading.

Markets guides

You can download free market guides to support your research plans and sign up for business events near you.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Page last updated: 22 November 2023