New to exporting

This section is aimed at the novice or inexperienced exporter and serves as a basic introduction to UKTI DSO services and the route to market.

We aim to help companies decide whether to export by highlighting both the advantages and risks involved.

You will find links to a number of Government and Trade Association websites offering initial support on a regional basis, with details of an introductory overseas market training and education.

Why export?

The UK is a world leader in the defence and security export market. SMEs play a key role in our success through their innovation and technical capability, developing new niche and innovative products and services. They are also a vital link in the export of front line goods and services by providing prime contractors with key sub-systems, assemblies, components and after-sales training and support services.

You can view a presentation on the global defence and security market, highlighting UK’s current position and potential future opportunities.

Getting off on the right foot

Although the defence and security export market has remained buoyant, stable and resilient through the financial turmoil of recent years it continues to carry and impose its own challenges and risks, especially for SMEs. Exploiting the market can be expensive and, of course, there is no guarantee of success. The market can also be attritional and it can take a good deal of patience and persistence to remain competitive.

Before embarking upon a contract bid you should satisfy yourself that you have compliant, competitive and exportable products or services. You must also ensure that you have the financial and human resources necessary to remain in the race and that you can absorb the cost of not winning the competition without compromising your company. UKTI DSO cannot make these commercial decisions for you but we hope that the advice and information available via this website will help your decision making.

Starting to Export? Information on GOV.UK

GOV.UK website contains general advice and information on exporting - not just defence and security- and may offer useful food for thought at this early stage.

Open to Export - your platform for going global

The Open to Export service that was recently launched by UKTI in partnership with hibu. This is a new service to help you grow your business overseas. If you’re thinking of expanding overseas for the first time, or are experienced in global business and looking for detailed advice then I’m sure you’ll find the new service useful. It is a free online business community designed to bring you best-practice knowledge and advice, helping you to successfully enter new market and operate overseas.

You can post questions to users and key contributors who have the exporting knowledge and experience to help guide you in taking your business overseas.

It's free to access, so log on and see how it can help you succeed.

Also see the Open to Export Flyer

Business Finance for You

Business Finance for You brings into one place a wide range of finance providers across Britain - including business angels, regional funds, government schemes and banks.

Business Finance Support Finder

The Business Support Finder is a searchable database that can help you find publicly-funded sources of assistance you may be eligible to apply for. Support may be available in a number of forms, including financial assistance and free or subsidised advice services. There may also be specific initiatives to help with starting up, managing or growing a business.

Regional support, including training and education for new exporters

UKTI Regional Support

UKTI offers support for SMEs on a regional basis by providing a wide range of advice, information and support on exporting outside of the military arena. Each UKTI region has an International Trade Team (ITT), comprising dedicated sector specialists, helping both new and established exporters. The teams can provide support in accordance with your company’s particular needs and growth stage. As the vast majority of defence and security SMEs will have goods and services with a commercial/civil application it is strongly advised that companies are fully engaged with their regional ITT.

You can find details of your ITT on the UKTI regions page

Passport to Export Service

UKTI’s Passport to Export Service assesses a company’s readiness for international business and helps it build international trade capacity. The Passport to Export programme, available via your regional UKTI ITT, offers new and inexperienced exporters free capability assessments, support in visiting potential markets, mentoring from a local export professional, free action plans, customised and subsidised training and ongoing support once you’re up and running.

• Useful links - defence and security National Trade Associations and Regional Trade Groups websites.