The Minister of State for Exports, Andrew Griffith MP, shares helpful information for exporting businesses

The Export Support Service is the first point of contact for UK businesses looking to find answers to practical questions about exporting to Europe. Businesses can access the Export Support Service by visiting www.gov.uk/ask-export-support-team or by calling 0300 303 8955.

The UK Export Academy is a free, comprehensive training offer available to UK businesses with a product or service that can be sold internationally. The UK Export Academy’s foundation course, market access events, sector specific webinars and masterclasses give businesses the knowledge and skills to sell to customers around the world by learning from experts in international trade. Since its launch in mid-November, over 9,000 businesses have signed up to the UK Export Academy from across the UK. To learn more about the UK Export Academy, and to register for free events, please visit: www.great.gov.uk/exportacademy.

The newly launched UK Tradeshow Programme gives grants to help businesses to maximise their impact at international tradeshows, whether as exhibitors or visitors. Exhibiting at overseas trade shows can help you gain essential market knowledge and increase both your companies brand awareness and your business sales. To apply for support through the UK Tradeshow Programme, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/uk-tradeshow-programme#how-to-apply.

UK Export Finance (UKEF) is the UK’s world-class export credit agency. UKEF work with the Department for International Trade, Her Majesty’s Treasury and over 70 private lenders and credit insurers to support UK businesses that export. UKEF’s tried and tested product range includes buyer finance, exporter guarantees and insurance. UKEF currently supports exports to over 200 countries. UKEF’s regional Export Finance Managers are on hand to help guide you through the export process. Find your nearest Export Finance Manager here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/find-an-export-finance-manager.

Your local trade team is also on hand to offer expert advice and support including assessing whether you are eligible for funding. DIT’s Internationalisation Fund can provide match funding of between £1,000 and £9,000 to access third party expertise, to overcome barriers and access new International Markets, subject to eligibility and suitability. Funding may also support exhibiting at Trade Fairs, Trade Missions and independent market visits. You can find your local trade team at: www.great.gov.uk/contact/office-finder.