With Export Week now well underway in the South West and across UK, this is the perfect week to emphasise that Exporting is Great.
Supporting more small and medium sized businesses to export is a crucial part of the Government's plan to rebalance our economy, create jobs and boost prosperity. ‘Exporting is Great’ is a campaign designed to showcase British SMEs that have achieved success overseas, to inspire other businesses and demonstrate what support is available. British products and services have an enviable reputation across the globe and there has never been a more opportune time to grasp the international trade opportunities out there.
SMEs may think that exporting requires physically setting up overseas, but the e-commerce opportunities are vast. The internet makes it easier for small businesses to take advantage of those opportunities connecting them directly with customers.
The potential of online and digital technologies is huge and is growing by the day. Market places are changing and becoming more virtual - this cuts the overhead costs for small and innovative companies and enables them to reach new customers across the globe.
It is important to get your e-exporting right. There are a number of important factors to consider for companies thinking of selling online to overseas markets, such as how products will be delivered, how currency will be converted, how queries will be dealt with in different languages, as well as making sure overseas regulations are complied with.
Businesses may also need to think about how online marketing strategies may need to vary for different countries – such as changing packaging or imagery to suit different audiences and whether new URLs are needed.
At UKTI we can help businesses think through their ‘e’ strategy, navigate the regulatory issues they may encounter, protect their intellectual property, market their product effectively and make the most of the myriad of professional services available to support growth. We regularly run masterclasses and workshops on how you can grow online and drive sales through digital marketing.
UK companies need to stay ahead of the game and capitalise on the rapid growth of mobile technology and social media to find new international customers. So I urge you to keep up and get ahead or you risk falling behind. Find out how UKTI can help by visiting http://www.ukti.gov.uk/onlinexporting , or arrange a meeting with your local international trade adviser here.
Southwest businesses can also follow us on Twitter at @UKTI_SW, and UKTI's main Twitter channel is at @UKTI