Funding to help Yorkshire fims increase exports approved
REGIONAL development agency Yorkshire Forward has approved a £6.9m finance scheme to help companies up their export activity in the face of challenging economic conditions.
The funding for the latest Targeted Export Support Scheme (TESS), which will be delivered by UK Trade and Investment, will focus on supporting companies operating in key industry sectors in the region to start or expand their international trade activities.
To date, TESS support schemes in the region have supported in excess of 1,200 companies and helped increase sales by more than £100 million.
The new scheme will offer grant support to help companies with everything from identifying and visiting potential markets to modifying their websites for international customers.
It will also fund a targeted marketing campaign aimed at making companies across the region more aware of the opportunities for business growth that exporting offers.
Theresa Lindsay, head of marketing and business development at Yorkshire Forward, said that there was a large number of regional businesses operating within the right sectors for international trade, yet traditionally the region had one of the lowest levels of export activity in the UK.
“In the current economic climate, keeping all your eggs in one basket is a risky strategy to adopt,” she added.
“The support we’re putting forward to help businesses trade internationally, will help them to use the current shifts in the global economy to their advantage.”
She continued:
“Companies new to exporting tend to view international trade as a high risk strategy, however, the reality is that it is one of the fastest ways of increasing productivity and competitiveness and with the right support, is one of the best ways to expand your business.
“The support that the TESS scheme offers also means that companies can make sure they have a solid strategy and understanding of their target markets before they enter them – which minimises the risk”.
TESS grants will average £5,000 and will require a matching contribution from the company and support will be accessed via the regional Business Link gateway, using specialist international trade advisors.
Companies wishing to take advantage of the scheme should contact Business Link Yorkshire on 0845 6048048 or UK Trade and Investment Yorkshire on 0113 3949825
