Last week the United Kingdom Trade and Investment (UKTI) department of the government launched a a new five year programme to encourage UK businesses to export worldwide. The UKTI intention is to get around 100,000 additional companies exporting by 2020. At this point there are no financial incentives or grants being offered (other that additional business!) however it is clear UKTI are serious by the amount of effort that has been put into the advertising campaign, including extensive TV advertising, and the information available on the new Exporting is GREAT website.
On the opportunities available, Minister for Trade and Investment, Lord Francis Maude, said:
“Travelling overseas in my capacity as Minister for Trade, I see first-hand the demand that exists for UK products and services but many companies don’t realise this demand exists. We are confident that through this campaign, by raising awareness of and providing access to these opportunities, together with giving companies the practical advice and guidance they need, we will inspire and support thousands of new companies in an exciting new venture of selling overseas.”
In addition to guidance the Exporting is Great portal provides information on actual opportunities available around the world. At the time of writing the site had 1039 opportunities posted. The opportunities range in size and will appeal to both small and large businesses. They are diverse in range including small consultancy projects and much larger infrastructure projects.
As a first port of call an Exporting is GREAT brochure has been created providing a good introduction as to why a UK company might want to export its goods or services and the steps it should take.
