UK Trade and Investment
Summary:
Export
We work through a coordinated approach involving the industry and regional partners, including the regional network of International Trade Advisers, http://www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk
UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the Government organisation that supports both companies in the UK trading internationally and overseas enterprises seeking to locate in the UK. UKTI is an international organisation with headquarters in London and Glasgow. Across its network UKTI employs around 2,500 staff and advisers, in UK embassies and posts overseas and in the nine English regions.
Practical Help & Advice
The links below take you to the sources of assistance available to all companies and, in some cases, the financial support available these include, for example, ‘UKTI’s Your Passport to Export S uccess’ programme for small and medium–sized companies new to exporting. The overall aim is to help companies adopt a focused approach to break into new overseas markets or develop existing business.
Assistance for Exhibitions and Trade Missions
Taking part in overseas events such as trade fairs or missions is an effective way to test markets, attract customers, appoint agents or distributors and make sales.
UK Trade & Investment helps to arrange groups of UK companies to attend a comprehensive choice of tradeshows worldwide, or take part in the British trade missions that visit overseas markets each year.
Travelling as a group with other UK businesses you will get advice to help prepare for your visit before you go as well as support from trade development staff on the ground. You may also be able to network with key market contacts in the impressive surroundings of UK embassies, high commissions and consulates.
UKTI also organises visits by overseas buyers, known as Inward Missions, to the UK to showcase British products and services
UKTI's Trade Show Access Programme provides:
- Grant support for eligible SMEs to exhibit at trade shows overseas
- A chance to travel and exhibit as part of a group, led by an Accredited Trade Association
- Raised profile at key exhibitions due to ATO/UKTI backing
- Possible participation on independent ("solo") basis
UKTI Trade Missions
UKTI can arrange:
- Pre-visit briefing and one-to-one mentoring with our overseas teams
- Appointment making with selected contacts or business partners
- Accompanying to meetings to help with translation, business etiquette and culture
- Specially organised bespoke receptions, meetings and seminars where you can present your products and services
The above are chargeable services which can be commissioned via UKTI's Overseas Markets Introduction Service (OMIS)
Impact of UKTI:
North West Exports
The North West region is interested in gaining an understanding of export activity in the year 2007 within Food and Drink. Total Food and Drink exports from the UK were up 9%, worth £11.4bn in 2007. All major product categories recorded positive results during the year. This is also reflected in the North West export figures, which saw “Cereals” and “Dairy” exports increase 27% and 26% respectively in 2007 in comparison to 2006.The North West region is interested in gaining an understanding of export activity in the year 2007 within Food and Drink. Total Food and Drink exports from the UK were up 9%, worth £11.4bn in 2007. All major product categories recorded positive results during the year. This is also reflected in the North West export figures, which saw “Cereals” and “Dairy” exports increase 27% and 26% respectively in 2007 in comparison to 2006.
The full report of the export figures for 2007 can be viewed
Meet the Buyers Event
The second International Food & Drink “Meet the Buyer” took place at Tatton Park, Cheshire on the 4th March 2008. It was organised by Business to Business for UK Trade & Investment and supported by Food Northwest and Northwest Regional Development Agency.
This event followed the first regional Food and Drink “Meet the Buyer” event held at the Marriot Hotel in Preston in 2006, which generated an estimated £1.4M of new sales. The response from buyers and suppliers in 2008 was also extremely positive and it was clear at the event that delegates had enjoyed a busy and productive day.
The number and quality of regional companies and international buyers at the event created an energetic and lively atmosphere, with over 700 meetings taking place in the main room. The central networking area remained busy throughout the day. The range and quality of both buyers and suppliers at the event was very high. For example, international buyers were drawn from major companies such as Fallon & Byrne Ireland, Central Food Retail Thailand, T. Choitram & Sons Dubai, and Wal-Mart Mexico.
For a full list of event please click here