Page 24 - Horizon Han22

Tees Global
What other support services are available that an ITA could help
tme to take advantage of? he support network around an ITA
(and DIT as a whole) carries not only
nationally but to every corner of the globe.
Export Academy
Within DIT nationally, ITAs and businesses can tap into various support service. For example, businesses can take advantage of the virtual Export Academy. The academy runs numerous webinars and courses focusing on a wide range of topics. There is certainly something to be found which is of interest to every single exporter especially for those who are new to exporting.
The academy can help to lay the right foundations for a business, while potentially working with an ITA, to build upon and flourish.
A trade mission can be no different (other than you don’t get sent down the pits). It gives a business the opportunity to see and experience the culture first hand.
Also, by arranging these trips through DIT rather than on your own, you get the opportunity to speak to potential customers and key stakeholders. Going under the UK DIT flag may provide your business with the extra 5% it needs to turn potential clients into real-life customers.
Finally, the work you undertake with an ITA, can highlight particular areas where specialist support is needed. This may be to understand taxation issues, conformity requirements or, the intricacies of operating a legal entity in your chosen country. Not only will an ITA help you to highlight these areas but they may also be able to introduce you to individuals and bodies who can provide you with the support you need.
Whether it be through their network of British Embassies, Chambers of Commerce or relevant specialists, they can help to bridge the gap between your business and the specialists you need.
Financial Support
Though the Internationalisation Fund may be closing soon, businesses can still access grant support through DIT’s UK Tradeshow Programme. This helps eligible UK businesses to attend or exhibit at overseas trade shows. Alongside this, successful businesses will be provided with training to prepare them for the tradeshow.
As funding changes and develops (especially now with the introduction of UKSPF) there is never any harm in asking your ITA or DIT whether any funding is available for your
business. If any funding is available, then they will be able to let you know.
How can I contact my local ITA Team?
S
o, as I've mentioned throughout, an
ITA is one arm of a larger,
international support service. They use their experience, expertise, and signposting abilities to ensure that a business receives as much support as possible.
And all this support from your ITA is free of charge. They are there for you, when you need it most, to succeed in reaching your export potential.
To sum it all up, all Ben had left to say was
"Really, a business has nothing to lose in seeing what DIT can do to help you"
Horizon - Taking your international trade further.
24. TG Investigates...
Find out more about the Department for International Trade, the support which is on offer, or find out how you can speak to an ITA by contacting them on:
Tel: 020 4534 3663
Email: DITNE@trade.gov.uk Web: www.great.gov.uk
Also, don’t forget to sign up to their monthly newsletter by emailing the above address and ask to be added to their mailing list.
Investigative Article by y
Ben Bradfor r d d
Tees Global Lt t d d
www.teesglobal.co.u u k k
. .
21. TG Investigates...
Trade Missions
Not all of DIT’s support services are to be enjoyed from the comfort of the office. For instance, trade missions can offer huge opportunities for businesses. Though Covid has resulted in the introduction of some virtual trade missions (and meet the buyer events) the majority still take place physically.
Think of a trade mission like a school trip. You’ve spent a whole term learning about life in and around the Victorian era. Then, to finish the term, your history teacher takes you all to Beamish. This brings all of the classroom learning to life and gives you a real experience of what it was like to live and work during that era.
Horizon issue 2.indd 24 14/12/2022 14:49:41