SMEs from across the UK will benefit from new government support to match them up with international buyers and markets to turbocharge UK exports and grow the economy as part of the government’s ‘Plan for Change’.
The ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ roadshows, kicking off today (24 April) in Blyth and taking place across all nations and regions of the UK, have been designed to directly connect international buyers with SME exporters ready to seize the opportunity to grow their businesses.
Through these events, the government is working to maximise international opportunities for UK businesses by highlighting tangible opportunities that exist in new markets.
Each event will be aligned to one of the eight key growth driving sectors outlined in Britain’s modern Industrial Strategy, channelling government support to sectors with the highest potential to create jobs, boost productivity and grow the economy.
The events will help deliver the Plan for Change to put more money in more working people’s pockets.
Highlighted sectors include clean energy, advanced manufacturing, technology, life sciences, digital and technology, and financial services.
Gareth Thomas, minister for services, small businesses and exports, said: “Maximising the UK’s export potential is crucial to achieving our Plan for Change by creating good jobs with high wages, raising productivity and boosting the economy.
“Through these roadshows, the government is focusing on supporting key growth sectors, making it quicker and easier for smaller businesses to connect with markets, grasp export opportunities and expand.”
The focus of the first roadshow, taking place today, is exporting in the clean energy sector.
There will be 100 attendees at the event – made up of small businesses, trade bodies, and government representatives, as well as 30 Commercial Officers from UK embassies and consulates from around the world, and 97 buyers, all of whom will join the event virtually through pre-planned meetings.
The 97 buyers span 19 markets worldwide, from Argentina to Austria, Thailand, Turkey, Mexico, India and the UAE.
All roadshow events will provide opportunities for delegates to meet with domestic and international Commercial Officers, who will be on hand to offer expert support and advice on specific products, markets and export opportunities.
There will also be a designated advice zone for SMEs to learn about wider export support services offered by the Department for Business and Trade, as well as those provided by other public sectors partners like regional Growth Hubs, and trusted private sector providers like the Chambers of Commerce, Federation of Small Business, UKEF and MAKE UK.
A range of workshops and seminars on topical issues such as ‘conducting market research’ and ‘routes to market’ will take place throughout the day, led by the UK Export Academy. Several of these will feature DBT Export Champions who will speak of their own experiences in target markets.
UK businesses can access DBT’s wealth of export support via Great.gov.uk. This comprises an online support offer and a wider network of support, including the Export Academy, UK Export Finance, the International Markets network, and one-to-one support from International Trade Advisers.
Roadshow timeline:
- Blyth: Clean Energy – 24 April 2025
- Birmingham: Advanced Manufacturing – 15 May 2025
- Cardiff: Technology – 13 June 2025
- Oxford: Life Sciences – 16 July 2025
- Belfast: Digital and Technology – 11 September 2025
- Edinburgh: Financial Services – 25 September 2025
- Other events in Liverpool and London are planned for autumn
More information can be found here.
