Lessons in exporting to help South West firms
THE Government has launched an Export Academy scheme to help South West companies sell into overseas markets post-Brexit.
The free programme from the Department for International Trade (DIT) will see international trade experts host a series of online workshops and events offering advice and support directly to business owners.
The DIT’s new Export Academy aims to support small businesses in the South West by providing them with the know-how and confidence to sell to customers around the world.
The programme has been designed for business owners who already have international customers, or those who are considering exporting in future.
The course, which will be offered to businesses free of charge, will provide companies with the opportunity to learn directly from experts in international trade and fellow exporters through webinars, round-table discussions, and mentoring sessions.
Business owners will leave the course with a customised export action plan to help grow their business in international markets.
The programme has been designed for both goods and services businesses, with sessions covering everything from selling online to managing international payments.
Paul Shand, DIT’s head of trade in the South West, said: “The Export Academy is perfect for smaller businesses wanting to take their first steps into exporting and for those looking to further grow their export sales.
“By supporting SMEs in the region we hope they will be able to look ahead with confidence and reach their full potential in overseas markets.”
Phil Winton, operations director at Yeovil-based medical instruments manufacturer Griff LVD Limited, is among the first to take part in the Export Academy, and said: “The broad range of topics covered were really useful as we have never worked in export before and we were led through each part of the process, which gave us an in-depth knowledge of each of the stages involved.
“We were also signposted during the sessions to a variety of different information sources which have been tremendously useful. As was the fact the courses were in bitesize hour chunks, so it was easy for me to fit into my schedule.”
In October 2020, the DIT revealed that more than 700 South West businesses were to benefit from a £3.6million Government fund to help them grow their overseas sales.
The Export Growth Plan also saw 12 International Trade Advisors (ITAs) tasked with giving direct support to small businesses in the region.
They were part of a package of measures to help South West businesses recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
These included the pilot Export Academy scheme which is also helping businesses in the Northern Powerhouse and Midlands Engine areas, in addition to the South West.
Added to this, “sector specialists” will champion the Western Gateway to overseas markets and help drive investment into the region.
And a refreshed cohort of more than 100 additional Export Champions across different industries in England will help promote and support exports.
Businesses can find out more online at great.gov.uk