New To Exporting? Here’s How We Can Help

Are you thinking tentatively about exporting, or keen to do business with international buyers but want to know where to start? UKTI can help you rise to the exciting opportunities and challenges that international trade offers. We can work with you to help you grow your business and offer a number of key services which can be tailored to meet the needs of your company.

This short introduction outlines the help UKTI provides for new exporters and covers the key resources and elements to consider when starting out. You can read more in our section on ten essential elements of export preparation.

 Advice from your local trade expert

UKTI’s International Trade Teams are located in local offices all over the country. Every UK region has dedicated sector specialists, helping new and established exporters every day. Our local teams can provide support tailored to your company's needs and growth stage. You'll find a list of our regional offices here or use our postcode searcher, labelled as "Contacts in your Region" on our export landing page.

UKTI’s Passport to Export programme

This is focused on increasing capability of new and novice exporters and helping them through the process assisted by export professionals.

Passport offers new and inexperienced exporters free capability assessments based on a set of international trade questions, support in visiting markets, tailored action plans, mentoring from a local professional, customised and subsidised training, and ongoing support once you've started to export.

Read more on Passport and companies’ experiences of the programme.

Getting started

UKTI has produced the Exporting for Growth Guide which is designed to encourage UK companies to consider exporting and tells them what they need to know to get started. The guide is also available in an editable form to other groups involved in supporting exporters. The guide is also available in an editable form to other groups involved in supporting exporters.

In collaboration with HMRC, we’ve also prepared an online training course in customs and VAT for export

Understanding the basics

Strong motivation and a clear understanding of your drivers to export is essential. This provides a firm basis for planning, and makes best use of any UKTI support you receive. It’s also crucial to assess your potential to export successfully, your company’s readiness, and how you’ll meet the basic practical and legal requirements involved.

Find out more on the basic practicalities and legal requirements of exporting on the Starting to Export section of gov.uk.

Other useful resources:

Institute of Export Training Area

British Chambers of Commerce

Open to Export: your community for going global

Open to Export is a free online business community, designed to bring you best-practice knowledge and advice, helping you to successfully enter new markets and operate overseas.

• Explore potential international opportunities for your business

• Get bespoke answers from experts and other experienced exporters

• Access practical insights on important overseas issues

• Connect with experienced UK businesses and service providers

• Find relevant products, services and events

• Share your expertise with other companies looking to go global

Get started at www.opentoexport.com.