National tour launches to promote business exports and boost economic growth.

• Export Roadshows, aimed at encouraging more small businesses to engage in exporting and stimulate economic growth, commence today in the North East.
• Taking place throughout all nations and regions of the UK, these events will unite small enterprises, industry specialists, trade organizations, and government representatives.
• An initiative within the modern Industrial Strategy, the roadshow seeks to direct government support towards sectors that drive growth, as part of the Plan for Change.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from across the UK will gain from new governmental support designed to connect them with international buyers and markets, propelling UK exports and bolstering the economy as part of the Plan for Change.

The ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ roadshows, beginning today [24 April] in Blyth and occurring throughout all nations and regions of the UK, are strategically crafted to link international buyers with SME exporters eager to expand their businesses. Through these events, the Government aims to optimize international opportunities for UK firms by spotlighting concrete prospects available in emerging markets.

Each event will focus on one of the eight key growth sectors highlighted in Britain’s modern Industrial Strategy, channeling government support to areas with the greatest potential to generate jobs, enhance productivity, and stimulate economic growth. This approach will contribute to the Plan for Change, ensuring more financial benefits reach working individuals.

Highlighted sectors include clean energy, advanced manufacturing, technology, life sciences, digital and technology, and financial services.

Gareth Thomas, Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports, remarked:

Maximizing the UK’s export potential is essential for fulfilling our Plan for Change, which focuses on fostering quality jobs with competitive wages, enhancing productivity, and boosting the economy.

Through these roadshows, the government is dedicated to supporting key growth sectors, simplifying the process for smaller businesses to connect with markets and take advantage of export opportunities.

The initial roadshow, held today, centers on exporting in the clean energy sector.

The event will host 100 attendees, comprising small businesses, trade organizations, and government officials, alongside 30 Commercial Officers from UK embassies and consulates globally, and 97 buyers who will join virtually through pre-scheduled meetings.

The 97 buyers represent 19 markets worldwide, including Argentina, Austria, Thailand, Turkey, Mexico, India, and the UAE.

All roadshow events will facilitate opportunities for delegates to interact with both domestic and international Commercial Officers, who will provide expert guidance and advice on specific products, markets, and export opportunities.

Additionally, there will be a dedicated advice zone for SMEs to explore wider export support services provided by the Department for Business and Trade, as well as offerings from other public sector partners like regional Growth Hubs, and trusted private sector providers such as the Chambers of Commerce, Federation of Small Business, UKEF, and MAKE UK.

A variety of workshops and seminars on pertinent topics, including ‘conducting market research’ and ‘routes to market,’ will be conducted throughout the day, led by the UK Export Academy. Several sessions will feature DBT Export Champions sharing insights from their experiences in target markets.

Alex Marshall, Group Business Development Director at Clarke Energy, stated:

From the Americas to Africa, Asia, and Australasia, clean technologies have emerged as one of the key pillars of the global economy.

As an Export Champion and a UK firm pioneering innovative clean technology solutions worldwide, this ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ roadshow is an excellent platform to discuss the latest international trends and export opportunities for UK businesses in the clean energy sector.

We recognize that when SMEs engage in global trade, the entire economy benefits. This is why the government is steadfast in its commitment to support small businesses in their growth and export endeavors.

Just last month, the Department of Business and Trade relaunched the Board of Trade to assist businesses, particularly the UK’s 5.5 million SMEs, in enhancing their exports.

Latter this year, we will unveil a small business strategy aimed at increasing growth and productivity among the UK’s SME sector and promoting the number of scale-ups.

UK businesses can access extensive export support from DBT via Great.gov.uk, which encompasses an online support platform and a broader network, including the Export Academy, UK Export Finance, the International Markets network, and personalized support from International Trade Advisers.