UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the government organisation that assists UK-based companies in international markets. With over 40 local offices, its International Trade Teams are the first resource for exporters. Here’s how they can help.
Secretary of State Peter Mandelson and his trade minister Merlyn Davies are both keenly aware of the important role that medium-sized companies will play in the recovery of the economy, according to UKTI’s chief executive, Sir Andrew Cahn
“These businesses are the lifeblood of our economy,” Cahn tells Growing Business. “Where companies have niche products or services, UKTI is ready to help them find the markets, find the partners and find the new commercial opportunities.”
With more than 40 local offices, its International Trade Teams are the first resource for exporters. They are to be found in over 40 local offices around the country. Every UK region also has dedicated sector specialists who can provide support tailored to your industry. Among the key services to exporters are:
- Passport to export – Andrew Cahn calls this his “flagship programme for small and mid-sized businesses, helping them to go on trade missions and move into overseas markets”. The scheme includes free capability assessments, support in visiting potential markets, mentoring from a local export professional, free action plans, customised and subsidised training, and ongoing support.
- Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS) – Direct access to 99 overseas offices, fast access to reports and advice and support during overseas visits. “I believe that the OMIS service is a key opportunity, where for a very modest fee we will do a research report for a company on particular market, analyse its suitability for their product and introduce them to potential partners,” Cahn says.
- Export Marketing Research Scheme (EMRS) administered by The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) – subsidised and customised market research and local business intelligence service.
- Export Communications Review – advice on language and cultural issues. It also offers companies an on-site review of the way the company currently communicates with its export markets.
- Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP) - provides grant support for eligible small & medium sized businesses to attend trade shows overseas. “We can always do better in helping companies that don’t yet export to start, and those that trade with nearby markets to look farther afield. And we are developing products precisely to help them do that,” says Cahn.
He has headed UKTI for three years during which he says his primary focus has been to help the middle sector of business. “The headlines are always about the big boys but 98% of our clients are small and medium-sized companies and the large majority of services we provide are intended for them.
"The way we are assessed by the Treasury drives us in that direction too. If I help Vodafone, which has many businesses round the globe that counts as one out of a target of 20,000. I do help Vodafone of course, but the way my organisation is incentivised is to help a large number of different enterprises.
“The first message I would give to readers of Growing Business is that there has never been a better time to export, but also there has never been a more necessary time to export. There are markets round the world that are still buoyant – the Gulf would be a good example.
“Remember, governments round the world are pumping money into their economy as a fiscal stimulus and in each case there is a real opportunity for businesses to get a piece of that. We are putting particular efforts into helping UK firms enter the value chain in India and China, and I would focus on the opportunities there,” he says.