UKTI launches GREAT idea to encourage exports

SMEs are being encouraged to go global and explore international high growth markets.

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) has launched a campaign – Exporting is GREAT – to urge businesses to tap into new areas, which can bring huge opportunities.

More than 300 businesses supported UKTI’s Export Week earlier this month, which highlighted 20 high growth markets: Brazil; China; India; Turkey; Colombia; Egypt; Hong Kong; Indonesia; Malaysia; Mexico; Qatar; Russia; Saudi Arabia; Singapore; South Africa; South Korea; Taiwan; Thailand; UAE; and Vietnam.

Now, UKTI is targeting more than 100,000 businesses that are primed for export, providing them with information on access to grants and assistance, and opportunities to meet one-to-one with an expert trade advisor.

Mark Robson, a UKTI regional director, said: “Supporting more businesses to export is crucial for Britain and helps spread sustainable growth across the regions.

“Regional products, services and expertise are in demand across the world, yet only a relatively small percentage of local businesses currently export. Our international trade advisors can help new exporters at every step of the way with practical advice and support to seek out new international customers.”

The activity is part of a concerted push by Trade & Investment Minister Lord Green to increase the number of British companies that export by a quarter, and double UK exports to £1tn a year by 2020.

Barclays branches across the region are supporting the campaign.

Exporting is GREAT is being piloted in the West Midlands, the North of England and parts of East England initially.