International Trade

The Department for International Trade (DIT) is the Government department that supports UK businesses to export and grow into global markets.

This service is available to businesses of any size or level of export experience.

Locally DIT organise events, master-classes and clinics across the region and have a team of experienced International Trade Advisers providing free, impartial and confidential export advice and guidance. They will help you on your export journey and be able to signpost you to the most appropriate DIT services.

The Department for International Trade has launched its new European Structural and Investment Fund (ESIF) for eligible East Midlands businesses. Match-funded grants of between £1000 and £9000 will be available for future activity.

The benefits of selling internationally can include:
more customers – tapping into a global demand, increased profitability – trading overseas can often drive higher profit margins, faster growth – selling overseas could help your business grow at a faster rate, innovation – working in more than one country can help drive new ideas and more resilience – spreading risk can help manage changes in demand or market conditions.

Take advantage of online tools to find the best market places to showcase your products, create a profile to promote your products and services to international buyers and apply for overseas export opportunities for your products or services.

You can also apply for a trade show access grant to attend overseas events.

The DIT organise events for businesses trading or looking to trade overseas. You can search for events, trade fairs, missions and webinars relevant to your sector or overseas markets.

Enterprise Europe Network can help you do business in Europe and beyond. Through their network you’ll get the specialist support you need. This includes nurturing innovation in your organisation, finding trusted partners abroad and making global connections.

From accredited training courses and qualifications, export documentation, outlining changes in legislation to international student placement, East Midlands Chamber has the tools and information to help. Their award-winning international team will support you, whatever stage you are at in your exporting journey.

This is an online resource if you are getting ready to export or expand abroad. The site provides step-by-step guides, international trade webinars and tools from selecting a market through to delivery and documentation. Information is free for small businesses and is provided by the Institute of Export & International Trade.

Established and run by East Midlands exporters this is membership organisation which provides a variety of services for businesses looking to grow via international trade. They offer formal mentoring through networking and developing relationships with other members in the area.