Manage the risks of exporting

Apart from your time commitment, you should expect to invest in at least two short visits to - and some market research about - the country you are investigating. Detailed research and site visits will incur early costs but will ensure that you are targeting the right country, and are a wise investment to save costly mistakes later on.

The following resources will aid your research of your potential overseas markets:

• The Department for International Trade can help you identify opportunities in overseas markets.
• The British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) can provide export training and support services, including trade missions. These visits allow you to network with businesses from other countries, carry out fact finding and market research and gain publicity. Many of these trips are subsidised.

Read more about researching and entering overseas markets.