Global trade made easier for East Midlands firms with new support

New support to help East Midlands businesses develop overseas trade plans and explore new markets has seen strong early take-up. So far 227 businesses have signed up to the Export Accelerator project since its launch in the spring.

Delivered by East Midlands Chamber on behalf of the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) the project supports businesses in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire in navigating the complexities of international trade, whether that be undertaking initial research or launching a product or service to a new overseas market.

The project has received £454,000 from the government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and provides specialist adviser support, training and grants to businesses in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

Grant funding of up to £8,000 is on offer towards the cost of specialist consultancy, overseas trade show visits, salaries and equipment. Along with fully funded workshops and webinars, there is the opportunity to apply for a £2,000 bursary which can be used to attend one of the Chamber’s International Trade training courses including its flagship BCC-Accredited International Trade Operations and Procedures qualification.

Businesses also have the opportunity to join the new East Midlands International Trade Network, with the chance to take part in bi-monthly chaired forums, access support, hear from industry experts, share insight with peers, and help shape the development and delivery of the programme.

The first forum meetings will be held on the 18th September and 30th September in Nottingham and Bolsover respectively.

East Midlands Chamber Deputy Chief Executive Diane Beresford said: “At a time when pressure is relentlessly heaped on exporters, with overseas trade costly, time consuming and often requiring reams of paperwork, we’re delighted to offer vital support to East Midlands businesses wishing to trade overseas, through the Export Accelerator project.

“The Chamber’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey for the East Midlands revealed a 10% drop in overseas sales and 3% in orders, which really underlines the extent of the challenges when exporting overseas so it’s no surprise that take-up of the Export Accelerator grants and training bursaries has been so high.

“We have some brilliant examples of businesses tapping into consultancy support in areas such as CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) and attending tradeshows as far afield as Japan. If they haven’t already, I’d urge businesses to sign up for the forum meetings in September to find out about the wide range of services to boost their overseas trade.”