To help businesses in Fareham reach their international potential, the Department for International Trade offers a wide range of support. Below you will find useful information on what support schemes and local trade contacts are available.
Internationalisation Fund:
This £38m fund provides match funding to SMEs seeking to overcome barriers to access new international markets. The DIT offer match funding of £1000 and £9000 for SMEs to access third party expertise, to overcome barriers to access new international markets, subject to eligibility and suitability. Funding may also support exhibiting at Trade Fairs, Trade Missions and independent market visits. Businesses that have successfully applied for the fund thus far estimate that the help will create, on average, two additional jobs, protect one role and boost export sales.
Applications for the fund close on 31st December 2022 and you can access more information from ESIFProjectTeam@trade.gov.uk or through your local trade team https://www.great.gov.uk/contact/office-finder/.
Additionally, following the launch of the DIT’s Export Support Service in October 2021, MPs now have a direct contact to raise constituent questions. Should you require assistance please contact my office and I will be able to directly assist you through this team. However, in the first instance, your first port of call should be through your Local Trade Contact.
Export Academy:
A free, comprehensive training offer to UK businesses to learn how to sell to customers and secure contracts around the world with confidence.
The Export Academy includes a foundation course and market access events as well as sector specific webinars, masterclasses, and virtual missions.
Businesses can sign up at: www.events.great.gov.uk/exportacademy
Export Support Service:
In October 2021, the DIT set up the Export Support Service (ESS) where UK businesses can get answers to practical questions about exporting to Europe by accessing cross-government information and support, all in one place. This service will expand to cover global markets later this year.
UK businesses can contact the ESS by using the digital service at www.gov.uk/asl-export-support-team or by calling 0300 303 8955, open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm.
UK Export Finance:
Established in 1919, UK Export Finance (UKEF) is the UK’s Export Credit Agency. UKEF’s mission is to ensure that no viable UK export fails for lack of finance or insurance. UKEF offer:
- Financing
- Guarantee schemes
- Insurance
- Tools: cover policy and premium indicator
For more information visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/our-products
Contacts:
Local Trade Contact for South East: info@tradesoutheast.com – 0330 300 0012
Export Finance Manager for Hampshire: Richard Armstrong – Richard.armstrong@ukexportfinance.gov.uk
Ministerial contact for Ranil Jayawardena MP: jayawardena@trade.gov.uk