Department for International Trade

With over 40% of Entrepreneurs' Forum members exporting goods and services, we work closely with the Department for International Trade (formerly UKTI) as they are the experts in helping businesses to grow internationally.

Department for International Trade (DIT) provide trade advice and practical support to those wishing to expand overseas. They have a presence in over 100 countries and can assist businesses with every step of the exporting journey, as well as helping to ensure you become familiar with overseas business practices.

With the altruistic aim of "enhancing the competitiveness of companies in Britain through overseas trade and investments", they offer specialist support to North East entrepreneurs that want to trade and invest overseas through:

INTERNATIONAL TRADE ADVISER 
DIT provide you with a local dedicated adviser to assist you with your export strategy, whether you are a new or experienced exporter. 

OVERSEAS MARKET INTRODUCTION SERVICE (OMIS) 
This is where DITs overseas teams undertake bespoke research for a company; this is chargeable but 60% subsidised by British Government.

TRADESHOW ACCESS PROGRAMME
If international tradeshows are your preferred route to market, DIT can offer some funding to help you attend an international exhibition as part of a British Pavilion.

EUROPEAN UNION REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDING 
Supported by the North East LEP and working closely with the emerging Growth Hub, DIT North East have developed a highly innovative project to deliver enhanced Trade assistance to North East companies. The programme is designed to assist eligible SME’s to internationalise their goods and services, providing innovative tailored help in the North East LEP area via advice, guidance and funding. Businesses will be given on hand support to develop an export growth action plan, as well as access to Virtual Export Managers, Export Sector Specialists and, if eligible, an export development fund.

Discover more about how DIT can help you trade successfully overseas...