South East: UKTI comments on exporters’ package announced in Autumn Statement

The Government is launching a new package of support – £20 million in 2015-16 – to help small and medium-sized UK businesses take their first steps into export.

Lewis Scott, UKTI regional director for the South East, said: “The money announced for UKTI will help us to continue to boost the fortunes of firms across the South East, while focusing on those new to exporting by offering specialised support through our locally-based trade advisers, workshops, events, trade missions and more.”

New services to be offered in the regions:

1. A new incubator service to prepare firms for exporting and to encourage them to consider international trade as an integral part of their business planning and future success. The incubators will take the form of practical and highly-interactive workshops.

2. Insight visits taking SMEs who are new to exporting to local and accessible markets and introducing them to local support (eg commercial staff in embassies and local business support organisations).

3. New grant funding to help them prepare and take their first steps as exporters, by contributing to the initial costs that often put off potential exporters.

4. Digital exporting support. Digital advisers to provide face-to-face guidance and opportunities to UK exporters on how to make online selling part of their business success.

In addition:
• Support to first time exporters at international trade fairs will be taken to another level, providing them with a one-stop-shop for cost-saving and practical support before, at and after events.
• This package will ensure that first-time exporters are at the heart of our promotion of British business at Milan Expo 2015.