Thursday, 27 May 2010
Businesspeople
About Exporting
There’s never been a better time to trade internationally. And whether you’re completely new to exporting, have some experience, or are looking to expand a well established range of global markets and services, there’s always more you can do to increase your bottom line
Why Should I Export?
Academic research confirms that exporting companies are more productive than non exporters, achieve stronger financial performance, and are more likely to stay in business. Read more on gaining the “export advantage” here
View the results of a survey recently conducted by UKTI which details the attitudes of UK exporters to international trade - Surviving to Thriving : Doing Business Overseas (pdf format)
I have no experience of international trade. Where should I start?
You should take some time to consider the realities of exporting and their implications for all aspects of your business, and to be aware of any assistance you may need. You’ll find lots of useful information on the country and sector pages of this site. Get yourself started by reading our advice for first time exporters
The Trade White Paper
UKTI does not work in isolation – it has collaborated with the Department for Business Innovation and Skills on the government’s ongoing Growth Review and the recent Trade & Investment for Growth White Paper.
I have some export experience. How can I build on this?
If you have some experience of exporting you may now be thinking about to take things to the next level. You’ll need more strategic support which allows you to build lasting commercial relationships with clients and partners. Read our advice for experienced exporters here.
EU single market : successful trading, overcoming barriers
To help companies take advantage of the enormous opportunities for trade offered by the European Single Market, both the UK Government and the European Commission provide guidance on trading in Europe as well as support to businesses to overcome barriers they might face in accessing this important market. View guidance, resources and useful links on the BIS website:
EU market access - overcoming barriers
How to tackle regulatory barriers when doing business abroad (PDF, 1.5 Mb)
Help for exporters from Businesslink.gov.uk
Businesslink.gov.uk helps businesses to succeed by providing access to clear, simple, and authoritative information. The website divides the world of business and government into easy to understand thematic areas, including international trade. Businesslink.gov should be your first port of call for regulatory information on exporting. Relevant resources include:
International trade guides - the International trade section features over 300 guides to help you navigate your way from thinking about starting to trade, right through to making submissions and declarations and moving your goods.Visit the International Trade section of the Businesslink.gov.uk website.
Interactive tools - the site hosts a range of interactive tools that provide personalised advice relating to your business through a series of short questions. The tools cover key business questions from “are you ready to export?” to “what are my duty and VAT liabilities when importing or exporting”? Find a list of interactive tools for your business on the Businesslink.gov.uk website, and access the "Are You Ready To Export?" tool here
The UK Trade Tariff - the UK Trade Tariff is an easy-to-use online tool which gives you free, direct access to current trading information on taxes and levies, rebates, preferences, restrictions and other information supplied by HM Revenue & Customs on all imports to and exports from the European Union. Access the online UK Trade Tariff on the Businesslink.gov.uk website.
Help for Exporters from the Export Credits Guarantee Department
The Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD) is the UK's official export credit agency. It provides services such as:
- insurance UK exporters against non-payment by their overseas buyers;
- help for overseas buyers to purchase goods and/or services from UK exporters by
- guarantees for bank loans to finance those purchases;
- insurance for UK investors in overseas markets against political risks.
The amount and terms of support available depends on the risk involved. Read a quick guide to ECGD's services and eligibility for support on the ECGD's website