Help and support for exporting

Once you are established in your business in a chosen market there are numerous support schemes to provide ongoing support.

Trade Advisory Service

The Trade Advisory Service provides businesses with tailored export consultancy from Invest Northern Ireland advisors based in overseas markets. For information on the Trade Advisory Service call the Invest NI Business Support Team helpline on Tel 0800 181 4422.

Department for Business and Trade in-market support

Eligible UK businesses can access trade expertise and knowledge on exporting to specific countries from the Department for Business Trade’s (DBT) global network of international market hubs.

Businesses referred to a regional hub can expect to receive:

• one-to-one advice from an in-market trade adviser who can help businesses consider their next steps
• access to a wide range of sector reports, market intelligence, and guides related to things to consider on exporting to those markets
• introductions to a network of private sector service providers to help businesses with issues on a commercial basis, including local accountants, legal experts, and sector specialists

To be considered for support, businesses should have a:

• turnover of £500,000 or more
• product or service ready to export

Businesses should also have some experience of exporting already and be looking to enter or expand to a new market.

Find your nearest local trade office.

UK Tradeshow Programme

UK businesses exporting, or thinking about exporting, can apply for support to:

• exhibit at, or attend, approved overseas trade shows and conferences
• potentially receive grants to offset some costs

The support available through the programme varies.

All successful applicants will receive training on successfully exhibiting at:

• trade shows in general
• the specific approved event(s) that they have applied for

Some businesses may also receive a grant of either £2,000 or £4,000 as financial support to cover:

• exhibition space costs
• stand costs (including design, construction and stand dressing)
• conference fees, costs of preparing conference promotional material (where appropriate)

Find out more about the UK Tradeshow Programme.