Take your business to the world

Significant opportunities overseas for UK companies

‘Take it to the World’ is UK Trade & Investment (UKTI)’s message to businesses, encouraging them to explore opportunities overseas with confidence.

According to UKTI, significant business opportunities abroad remain available for UK companies to tap into, despite the economic downturn.

Minister for Trade and Investment, Lord Davies of Abersoch, said: “Though these are challenging times, in my new role I have seen many UK success stories across all the sectors in the last few weeks. The innovation and creativity that defines us will ensure we remain competitive.

“I believe a key answer to the challenges we face is trade. Finding and making the most of international opportunities will help UK business and the economy. This is why we are stepping up our message that UKTI stands ready to help.”

Independent research, from quarter three in 2008/09, found that UKTI assisted approximately 19,300 UK companies to capitalise on opportunities overseas. Approximately 52 per cent of UK firms assisted through UKTI improved their business performance. On average UKTI’s help enabled them to achieve over £100,000 additional profit.

UKTI assists companies with tailored training, planning and support to help them prepare to succeed overseas by providing:

• An export health check to assess the company’s readiness for exporting and help develop a plan of action.
• Training in the requirements for trading overseas.
• Access to an experienced local international trade adviser.
• Specialist help with tackling cultural and language issues when communicating with overseas customers and partners.
• Advice on how to go about market research and the possibility of a grant towards approved market-research projects.
• Ongoing support to help your business continue to develop overseas trade and look at dealing with more sophisticated activities or markets.
• Advice on a range of international trade help available from UKTI and others.

To find out more about how UKTI can help your business succeed overseas, please contact an international trade adviser.