2020 should have been the year that the British Government finally provided clarity on any changes to international trade rules by firming up details of a Brexit deal. Instead, Brexit has been overtaken by the response to the global pandemic.
But there is still government support available for businesses looking to expand to overseas markets – despite the significant dual challenges posed by COVID-19 and Brexit.
In this article, we’ll guide you through five common global business challenges and signpost some of the government resources available.
As you’d expect, the government have launched support portals addressing the most pressing issue for international trade in 2020 – the COVID-19 pandemic. So we’ll start our list here:
1. COVID-19 support for businesses trading internationally
Many businesses have needed a lot of extra support during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is even more prevalent when trading internationally.
There are new rules involving PPE and safety during the import and export of goods. In addition, traders and border staff agents must now only exchange documents electronically. This is all designed to minimise the risk of person-to-person contact but can affect the operational efficiency of exporting goods.
At the heart of supporting businesses through these challenges, is The Department of International Trade (DIT), which is working to help businesses keep their exports moving.
Find advice on:
- Customs clearance
- Devising export plans
- Exploring exporting opportunities
- Identifying routes to market
- Working with distributors
- Identifying potential suppliers
- E-commerce
Even in ordinary circumstances, trading internationally is a tough prospect.
Below are 4 more types of support away from the present economic situation where the government offer guidance that British businesses can access.
2. Investment guidance
Gov.uk, the Government’s information resource, offers investment guidance for companies looking to expand to overseas markets. Follow the links to find out more about their overseas offices and UK-based international trade advisers.
Find advice on:
- The main forms of overseas investment
- The reasons for expansion
- Overseas investment opportunities for your company’s products and services
3. Local market help to sell overseas
When expanding overseas many businesses need support to understand the local market. The DIT can help businesses access services from local market experts overseas.
Find advice on:
- Country and sector targeting
- Local market research
- Overseas visit support
- Identification of business partners
- Event and exhibition setup
Head here to view resources on global markets.
4. Overseas e-commerce support
Businesses looking to transition into new markets can use the selling online overseas tool. The tool enables businesses to find online marketplaces around the world, so your business can get the exposure it’s looking for.
Businesses can also find out more about the Government’s e-exporting programme, which provides support to businesses of all sizes who are new to exporting overseas through e-commerce.
Find advice on:
- E-commerce platforms
- Market intelligence
- Introductions
- Selecting the best marketplaces
- Seller requirements
5. Future Brexit support
The UK’s withdrawal from the EU was agreed in January this year. However, the UK Government and the EU still need to hash out the details of the Brexit deal, which will outline the rules for the new relationship.
A big part of this is trade. New trade rules will impact businesses looking to expand overseas.
In time there will be a raft of support packages in the aftermath of Brexit. Currently, it is a bit too early to predict what the impact of Brexit will be on exports from the UK, we will have to wait and see how the deal plays out.
But early guidance on getting ready for trade can be found below and we would expect to see this updated in the coming months.
Help and support for trading post-Brexit
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