Government support for exporters

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26/06/2017

If you need to raise capital to finance your exporting operation (buy equipment, set up offshore locations, employ locals), or need help and advice, it’s a good idea to look into what government support may be available. The UK government provides money and advice with a wide variety of schemes that can be accessed by exporters.

In fact, with so many on offer, finding the right one can be difficult. But don't let that put you off. Do your homework on what's available – grants can be an effective, equity free way to grow your exporting operations.

The main options

UK Export Finance (UKEF)

As the UK’s export credit agency, UKEF can issue loans, guarantees and insurance policies to help you offer competitive terms while managing risks. Most of the companies UKEF supports are small or medium-sized, but it supports exports for any size of company and across all sectors. Speak to one of their export finance managers for free, impartial guidance on finance for exporting.

Use this service to:

• Discover how to make your export business more competitive while managing the payment risks
• Access additional working capital, credit insurance or bank guarantees to help you grow
• See how businesses like yours have used UK Export Finance support
• Understand the competition

Complete a short online form to request a consultation.

Department of International Trade (DTI)

The DTI supports a range of initiatives, such as the Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP) which helps with exhibition space costs and sometimes conference fees. They also help UK companies export with events, trade fairs, missions, webinars and a regional network of trade specialists. Browse www.events.trade.gov.uk to find a relevant event in your industry or country target.

Scottish Enterprise

If you’re located in Scotland there are a number of grants and support help available such as:

• Cash to contribute towards preparing to launch
• Funding to attend trade shows
• Visiting a market for research

Sector industries

Often industry groups will provide support for your export initiative. For example www.thecreativeindustries.co.uk know that 95% of UK game companies export, and provide information and networking opportunities to help grow the overall market.

A good example is the UK Trade and Investment Digital Games report.