Any business that has already exported to some extent will know the benefits of doing so. Opening your business up to more markets, more people, can bring about the kind of growth that entrepreneurs dream of.

Exporting isn't a walk in the park, but tapping into the right support ensures it isn’t a stumble in the dark either.

The Department for International Trade (DIT), formerly known as UK Trade & Investment, has been running its Exporting is Great campaign for a while now with the express purpose of supporting British business to export.

Whether you have never exported before, or it has been a while since you have done, there are certainly plenty of opportunities for you around the world.

Source British trade show in Los Angeles

People love buying British – and now thanks to the first ever US trade show dedicated exclusively to British brands, you can make sure they buy your particular brand of Britain.

Source British is a new trade show based in Los Angeles for those selling apparel (menswear, womenswear, childrenswear, lingerie, swimwear, footwear and accessories and home, gift and craft products).

The event takes place over two days in March (13-14) and provides a great entry point for British brands into the US market. Several thousand buyers will be in attendance, on the lookout for the next big brand to sell. These buyers are from independent stores, large department stores and online retailers.

Foreign trade missions and showcases                                

There are, in the near future, several trade missions to Europe organised by DIT. These are centred on the food and drink and retail and consumer goods sectors.

Food and drink trade missions & showcases

• FoodExpo, Netherlands, 13 & 14 March. An important trade show for the hotel, restaurant, catering and tourism sectors, but not exclusively so, that attracts around 11,000 trade visitors over the two days
• Goed Gevoel Ladies Fair, Flanders (Gent, Belguim), 24 – 26 March 2017. Food & drink is part of a wider show covering everything from organic and healthy food to cosmetics, home & garden products and lifestyle & wellbeing. You will have the chance to sell direct to the public, to gauge feedback and discover trends within the market.
• The Great British Food & Drink Showcase, Prague, Czech Republic, 23 February 2017. Meet local buyers, retailers and distributors of food and drink in the Czech Republic and learn how you can expand your business into this market. An average of 80% of exhibitors have been in serious discussions with Czech partners after the event and Czech retailers interested in British food & drink are expanding. This event is organised by the British Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic.
• Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Forum, Slovenia, 9 March 2017. This event is being organised by the British Chamber of Commerce in Slovenia.
• Pop-Up Showcase, Munich, 6 - 18 March 2017. This is for "New to Export" consumer goods companies who will have the opportunity to have their products sold on their behalf at this pop-up shop. All revenue generated will belong to the company.

Retail and consumer goods trade missions & showcases

• Goed Gevoel Ladies Fair, Flanders (Gent, Belgium), 24 – 26 March 2017. This fair is open to the public. You will have the opportunity to sell direct to the public, to gauge feedback, discover trends within the market and to showcase your products to potential retail buyers and wholesalers. The event is focused on health & wellbeing, i.e. healthy food, cosmetics, sport and wellness products, home, garden and kitchen products, make-up, skincare products, anti-aging therapies, hair and nail products, yoga and career advice, travel and trips.
• Hong Kong VIP Pop-Up Showcase, 23 – 27 February 2017. This is for “New to Export” London or South East fashion, creative or consumer goods SMEs that would like to sell their products to private Hong Kong clients.
• Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Forum, Slovenia, 9 March 2017. This event is being organised by the British Chamber of Commerce in Slovenia.
• Pop-Up Showcase, Munich, 6 - 18 March 2017. This is for "New to Export" consumer goods companies who will have the opportunity to have their products sold on their behalf at this pop-up shop. All revenue generated will belong to the company.

Funding available for companies wishing to export

The Department for International Trade has a small amount of funding available for companies that are "New to Export" and:

• who would like to attend one of these tradeshows or visit a specific market for business development
• who are interested in having their website reviewed for international trade capability
• who would like assistance with market selection

If you would like more information or to register your interest in attending one of these trade shows, contact our business support team: BusinessSupport@bbf.uk.com.

Meet our expert in all things exporting!

Book an appointment with an expert at our Saunderton Hub. A Department for International Trade adviser is periodically on hand to meet with businesses to discuss issue around exporting.

The next opportunity is on February 10. Make an appointment here >

Export Hub coming to Aylesbury

Read all about the Department for International Trade’s Export Hub that is coming to Aylesbury on 27 February to spread practical advice for all businesses on how they can find customers overseas. Learn more about it here >