It is well known that developing international markets is critical to achieving sustainable growth, not just for individual businesses but for the wider economy too.
By exporting we compete with some of the best companies around the world and this drives us to innovate and use the most modern technology and management practices. This doesn’t just apply to large organisations, it applies to all, and smaller companies often have the advantage of more easily tailoring their products for niche markets.
‘Easy for you to say’, I hear you cry. When I visit companies across the South West, I constantly hear recurring reasons why businesses think exporting isn’t for them. “We’re just too small” or “I wouldn’t know where to start.” At UKTI we understand that doing business overseas is not always straight-forward – but we are here to help.
Almost any business, both large and small, can export. In the seven years I have been Regional Director at UKTI in the South West, I have been blown away by the innovation and energy out there in our region. There is also an unbelievable appetite across the globe for British goods and services, and I strongly believe that EXPORTING IS GREAT for most companies. If you have a high quality product or service that is successful in the UK, then there is absolutely no reason why it couldn’t succeed overseas.
However, choosing the right route to market is critical for success in any export venture – and can mean the difference between success and failure. Getting it right can mean increased sales and profits, but getting it wrong can lead to frustration and ultimately, wasted time and money.
There are many organisations that can help make successful exporting a reality, regardless of the size of your business. UKTI’s dedicated team of international trade advisers works tirelessly to help local businesses achieve their international growth objectives by providing bespoke advice and strategic ongoing support on a range of matters to help companies get started.
Our advisers also provide a gateway to a whole host of UKTI services including market research and information, events, overseas trade missions and introductions to potential customers and partners. Their expertise, combined with their first-hand experience of exporting provides businesses with the assistance, advice and knowledge they need to succeed.
Through this fantastic range of unique services, local businesses can gain the bespoke information and advice they need to propel themselves to international success. There is a world of opportunities out there and with UKTI’s help, the sky is the limit.
If the sky seems too far right now, then perhaps a visit closer to home is more practical. Following the success of Export Week in May of this year, we are hosting another Export Week from 11 to 15 November in a bid to inspire more of the region’s businesses to explore overseas markets. The highlight of the week will be our annual ExploreExport event which, for the first time in its six year history, is being held in two locations – South Gloucestershire andExeter. These popular events provide a unique opportunity to speak to advisers, gain valuable insight from successful exporters and meet with commercial officers from up to 60 global markets.
You can find out more at www.exportweek.ukti.gov.uk , and by following South West on Twitter @UKTI_SW or our corporate channel @UKTI, or your local UKTI Twitter channel . Use the hashtag #exportweek