Thinking abouT Trading inTernaTionally?

Despite the recession or maybe because of it many small businesses are setting their sights on international markets and experiencing healthy growth as a result. Exporting offers opportunities for innovation as you develop products to meet the needs of international customers. It even enhances credibility and provides financial stability.
There is absolutely no reason why small businesses cannot export successfully. british brands are well respected overseas, and being a small and flexible business can be a real advantage in many sectors, which is why more and more smaller companies are deciding to export every year. Whether you want to export goods to increase turnover or to spread your risk, or import goods that will help reduce your costs, there is a wealth of advice and information available to help you get started.

Small businesses need not be cut off from the global marketplace or feel that international business is only for big companies. In fact, for many smaller firms, trading abroad can be the path to greater success and growth
Susan Haird, Acting Chief Executive UK Trade & Investment

Who can help?

once youve made the decision to export or import there are three main organisations that offer support, training and advice: uk Trade and investment, the british Chambers of Commerce and the institute of export. business link is also a good source of online information.

Exports account for 60 per cent of UK productivity growth and provide genuine benefits for British SMEs. Research shows that firms which export increase their productivity by nearly 35 per cent in the first year alone. They achieve stronger financial performance and are 11 per cent more likely to stay in business.
Mark Prisk, Business and Enterprise Minister

In an increasingly competitive and international world, trade and investment are ever more critical to Britains economic success.
Stephen Green, UK Minister for Trade and Investment

Did you know

The UK is the worlds

90%
The UK is the

10th

largest exporter of goods and services

of UKTIs customers are SMEs

In the last 12 months UKTI has helped around Exports account for nearly

6th

30%

25,000

businesses to export

of the UKs GDP

largest importer of merchandise

Sources: uk Trade & investment, World Trade organisation

UK Trade & Investment

uk Trade and investment (ukTi) works with businesses throughout the uk to help them enter international markets. The organisation is well set up to assist small businesses and SMes account for 90 per cent of ukTis custom. With offices all over the country, ukTis international Trade advisors can provide sector-specific advice about trading internationally, along with tailored support for your business. Through the Passport to export programme you can access expert help and advice. your business will be assessed for readiness and likely success, youll receive professional mentoring and training as you prepare to enter your chosen market, and ongoing support once your business is trading internationally. ukTi also leads delegations to visit overseas markets, with the opportunity to meet buyers and start developing relationships. There are also grants available that enable businesses to exhibit at overseas trade shows a great opportunity to test markets, build awareness and generate sales. Companies around the world like the British business ethos.

We have a reputation for honesty, reliability, open-handedness and the willingness to work in partnership with people.
Doug Mahoney, International Trade Director UK Trade & Investment

The rewards of international business can catapult a [small] company into becoming a large one very quickly indeed.
Susan Haird, Acting Chief Executive UK Trade & Investment

For more details visit www.ukti.gov.uk or call 020 7215 8000.

regional contacts
London Shand house, 14-20 Shand Street, london Se1 2eS Tel: 0207 234 3000 info@uktilondon.org.uk South East unit 10, Fulcrum 2 Solent Way, Whiteley, Fareham Po15 7Fn Tel: 0845 278 9600 info@uktisoutheast.com South West leigh Court, abbots leigh, bristol bS8 3ra Tel: 0845 606 0969 enquiries@uktisouthwest.org

East of England bishops Square business Park, hatfield hertfordshire, al10 9ne Tel: 0845 641 9955 email: info@uktieast.org.uk East Midlands innovation house, raynesway, derby de21 7bF Tel: 0845 052 4001 email: info@uktiem.co.uk North East regional international Trade office, Spectrum 6, Spectrum business Park, Seaham r7 7TT Tel: 0845 050 5054 enquiries@ukti.rito.co.uk

North West Warren bruce Court, Warren bruce road, Trafford Park M17 1lb Tel: 0845 603 7053 info@uktinorthwest.co.uk Yorkshire 1 Capitol Court, Capitol business Park, dodworth, barnsley S75 3TZ Tel: 0845 604 8048 info@uktiyorkshire.co.uk

The Institute of Export

The institute of export represents and supports the interests of everyone involved in importing, exporting and international trade. Membership of this professional body offers a unique range of benefits, including an internationally recognised suite of qualifications and training and the Continuing Professional development programme all of which are designed to develop knowledge, skills and techniques. ioe members also receive regular updates, newsletters and a magazine, providing up-to-date information on trading overseas. a range of events are held locally and nationally throughout the year.

Find out more about the ioe by visiting www.export.org.uk

regional Contacts
London andy gibson ioe-london@export.org.uk Wessex rob lewis ioe-Wessex@export.org.uk Northern Ireland Vera McWilliams ioe-northernireland@export.org.uk Scotland Maureen Munro ioe-Scotland@export.org.uk North East lesley batchelor ioe-northeast@export.org.uk East of England graham Jones ioe-eastengland@export.org.uk

British Chambers of Commerce

The british Chambers of Commerce (bCC) is the national body for a network of 56 accredited Chambers of Commerce throughout the uk. With over 100,000 business members nationally, every Chamber plays a central role in its local business community. There are regular networking events throughout the year designed to help you develop local contacts and grow your business. Many Chambers have also embraced social media to help you keep in touch with whats happening locally. accredited Chambers possess international trade expertise and will be able to help you overcome trade barriers and understand all the rules and regulations associated with entering overseas markets. importantly, the international Trade teams can produce your export documentation, including Certificates of origin and aTa Carnets. This service is available to members and non-members. Find your local accredited Chamber of Commerce by visiting www.britishchambers.org.uk

Southern graham Card ioe-Southern@export.org.uk Coventry & South Midlands brian Mclaughlin ioe-Coventry@export.org.uk South West geoff Coates ioe-SouthWest@export.org.uk North West anthony Pierce ioe-northWest@export.org.uk Wales John Power ioe-Wales@export.org.uk Mid Wessex & Thames Valley blair Coutts ioe-MWTV@export.org.uk

International trade has a vital role to play in the re-balancing of the UK economy.
David Frost, Director General, British Chambers of Commerce

We are a very globally engaged country. World trade was made for Britain. We engage like no other country.
Lord Digby Jones, former Director General Confederation of British Industry

Business Link
business link is a free service providing access to information, advice and support to help start, maintain and grow a business. The website features a dedicated section for international trade containing a range of guides prepared in conjunction with hM revenue and Customs. They are full of clear, practical advice on all aspects of exporting and importing from initial research into potential markets to protecting your intellectual property rights to correct procedures for importing and exporting. There are also very useful online tools, including one designed to help you decide if you are ready to export. business link also maintains a directory of international trade events throughout the uk, many of which are free to attend. you can get in touch by calling the business link helpline on 0845 600 9006. Visit www.businesslink.gov.uk for more information.

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dhl express (uk) limited 178-188 great South West road hounslow Middlesex TW4 6JS www.dhl.co.uk
issue 2 / February 2011

details contained in this document are to the best of our knowledge correct at the time of publishing.