The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) begins a new programme of ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ roadshows today (24 April) with a view to “maximising the UK’s export potential”.
The first event in the series takes place today in Blyth, offering advice and guidance on how businesses in the clean energy sector can boost their exports and achieve greater sustainability.
Almost 100 buyers will be in attendance from 19 global markets, as will commercial officers from UK embassies around the world.
‘Maximise international opportunities’
Other sectors that will receive focus in the upcoming sessions include life sciences, advanced manufacturing and financial services.
DBT says that the events will provide a forum for international buyers to connect directly with SME exporters, helping “maximise international opportunities for UK businesses by highlighting tangible opportunities that exist in new markets”.
Gareth Thomas, the exports minister, said that “maximising the UK’s export potential is crucial” for achieving the government’s economic objectives:
“Through these roadshows, the government is focussing on supporting key growth sectors, making it quicker and easier for smaller businesses to connect with markets, grasp export opportunities and expand.”
“Designated advice zones for SMEs” will be provided by DBT at each event.
Organisations, including the Chambers of Commerce, Federation of Small Business (FSB), UK Export Finance (UKEF) and Make UK, will also be on hand to provide support and advice.
Trends and opportunities
Clarke Energy group business development director Alex Marshall, whose firm is a DBT export champion, said that, as a “UK business developing innovative clean technology solutions across the world”.
Marshall added that the roadshow is an “excellent place to discuss the latest international trends and export opportunities for UK businesses in the clean energy sector”.
The roadshows are the latest in DBT’s efforts to boost exports, after it relaunched the Board of Trade last month “to help businesses, and in particular the UK’s 5.5 million SMEs, boost their exports”, it said.
It also comes ahead of the launch of its small business strategy later this year, which aims to boost productivity and growth more broadly.
UK firms can access a range of support resources at great.gov.uk, DBT also said.
This includes “an online support offer and a wider network of support including the Export Academy, UKEF, the International Markets network, and one-to-one support from international trade advisers”.
