Exporting
For members contemplating selling their products or services into international markets there are a range of services available to help maximise their success in what can be a challenging and difficult environment.
Whilst it can be challenging, selling products or services into international markets can also be an exciting and valuable way to grow your business. Exporting can open up new markets and opportunities, thus increasing your business growth potential.Research also shows that businesses that enter export markets grow more quickly in terms of employment, sales and overall productivity than businesses that don’t. This, along with the competitive edge gained by exposure to international competition, makes the reasons for trading overseas compelling enough. However a carefully considered and structured approach to defining your export strategy will significantly increase your chances of success and minimise your costs.
UK Trade and Invest (UKTI) offer a range of subsidised services to companies to make this task easier.
· For inexperienced or companies new to exporting they offer “Passport to Export” which includes a number of services including; free capability assessments, support in visiting target markets, mentoring from experienced local professionals, subsidised training and on-going support and mentoring.
Understanding how the target market operates is key to making the right business decisions and market research is essential part of this process. UKTI offer two principle services to assist companies in this area:
· Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS). OMIS puts the company directly in touch with UKTI staff (in 99 markets overseas) in-country with sector specific experience and provides market information and potential business contacts who, based on the companies market brief have expressed an interest in developing a business relationship.
· Export Marketing Research Scheme (EMRS). Established exporters wishing to consider entry into new markets may also wish to carry out market research/intelligence. The EMRS scheme offers an alternative to the OMIS service. The scheme administered by the British Chamber of Commerce on behalf of UKTI offers eligible SMEs grants of up to 50% of the agreed cost of market research projects. These projects can be undertaken using an in-house staff or external consultants.
Attending and taking part in overseas exhibitions is a good way to test overseas markets, attract customers and assess potential partners (e.g. Agents/Distributors). The UKTI Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP) provides grant support for eligible SMEs to attend trade shows overseas.
Further details of the above services can be obtained from the UKTI web site www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk
In addition to the above services they is also a comprehensive set of guides and information on individual subjects related to both exporting and importing on the Business Link website www.businesslink.gov.uk (International Trade).
The Medilink Business Development Team is available to assist members to assess their international trade potential and also arrange one to one meetings with the local UKTI, sector specialist, International Trade Advisers. To arrange a meeting please contact:-
Jamie Gill - jamie.gill@medilinknorthwest.co.uk or Telephone 0161 477 7785.