There’s a lot of talk around at the moment that the best (and sometimes only) way to grow your business is by exporting. But the problem with this is that for a lot of entrepreneurs and SMEs that they simply don't know where to start when it comes to ‘export’.
The benefits of expanding internationally are clear to see, with exporting businesses on average generating growth rates of over 30% after just two years, but there’s still a whole host of questions that people ask me when first considering export.
Not only are there time zone differences and logistical and resource issues to deal with but businesses are also worried about how to find new customers and potential business partners. I also hear concerns around how and when they will get paid and how to tackle the language and culture barriers of diverse markets such as Brazil, China and India. Even some of the EU markets closer to home – France, Germany, Poland, etc. – have various barriers to overcome.
I know what you’re thinking - what has all this got to do with my passport? Now the answers to these export questions won’t be amongst the stamps or alongside your photo in your regular passport but instead what you’ll need to do is check out UK Trade & Investment’s Passport to Export scheme.
To keep the economy on the right path the government knows that it must get more British businesses to sell their products and services overseas and this scheme will help you to do exactly that.
Grab your PASSPORT
Passport to Export covers everything you need to know to get started and most importantly, will give you the confidence to get out there and do it! Don’t just take my word for it, in the last 3 years alone Passport to Export has helped over 500 companies in the South West to start successfully selling overseas. I’ve seen businesses of all shapes and sizes taking their products and services to Australia, Mexico, South Africa and many more markets across the world.
The scheme pairs you with an experienced International Trade Adviser who will prepare your business to deal with the demands of exporting. After joining you get access to high quality training and workshops, planning sessions and subsidies – and the peace of mind that comes with having a seasoned expert at the other end of the line whenever you need them.
Whether it’s help researching potential markets, finding new agents and distributors or updating your website for use in different countries these guys really do go the extra mile when it comes to assisting your business. And did I mention that you can access all this support for a one off payment of just £250! Now that is a bargain.
Enjoy the ride
Nobody will tell you that exporting is easy but for those who enter the world of international trade the rewards can be huge! I’ve witnessed many who have not only boosted their profits by exporting but in some cases it has even managed to save their business altogether.
Selling to a new market is a fascinating and exciting experience and if you don’t take advantage of the opportunities that exporting offers then somebody else will. And don’t forget to keep your passport up-to-date as you’ll be taking plenty of trips overseas in the next few years.
There are currently only 30 spaces left for local South West businesses to join our Passport to Export scheme, so if you’re serious about starting your export journey get in touch today. enquiries@uktisouthwest.org 01275 370944
If you're based elsewhere in the UK, you can contact your local office to know more about Passport to Export