BRITISH businesses looking to expand their global footprint can expect a significant boost after Blueberry secured a new partnership with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).
This latest collaboration will continue to drive the success of the Government’s UK Export Academy, breaking down export barriers and encouraging businesses to explore international markets overseas.
Empowering British Businesses to Thrive Overseas
Blueberry’s expertise and commitment to fostering the growth of British exports regionally made them the perfect fit for the DBT coalition. This strategic alliance promises to support UK businesses eager to sell their products and services in the global marketplace.
“Faced with numerous challenges over the last few years, UK businesses have been forced to adapt operations, embrace change and try new things to not only survive, but ultimately to thrive,” said Blueberry Director Pamela Welsh. “The UK’s resilience, innovation and ambition has never been more important than it is now in this uncertain economic climate. That is why Blueberry is such a strong advocate of the DBT’s work helping businesses successfully navigate the export landscape. We are so excited about our national campaign, which promises to unlock new opportunities for British enterprises in international markets.”
Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal that the UK’s total exports in 2022 were worth £834bn. Exports Minister Malcolm Offord said: “The UK is a services superpower, hitting over £400bn in exports for the first-time last year (2022), but we want to see even more businesses exporting, so we can hit our ambitious target of £1tn of exports a year by 2030.
“We’re backing British business by knocking down trade barriers, signing new trade deals, giving expert advice via our Export Support Service and funding through UK Export Finance - our award-winning export credit agency.”
William Bain, the Head of Trade Policy at the British Chamber of Commerce, added: “The reality is if UK business is to thrive, then we must export more, it’s as simple as that. If we want to remain one of the world’s largest economies, then we need more firms selling goods and services internationally. The pandemic, supply chain disruption, Brexit, non-tariff trade barriers and global headwinds have all made this more difficult over the past few years.”
A Partnership with a Clear Vision
Leeds-based Blueberry joins forces with the DBT to:
Promote the UK Export Academy:
Launched in 2020, more than 6,000 businesses have already joined the UK Export Academy. Through a combination of on-line and in-person events, the free training programme aims to give firms the confidence and knowledge to sell overseas. By actively encouraging organisations to register online, Blueberry will help equip businesses with invaluable knowledge, beneficial tools and useful insights needed in the global marketplace.
Expand Business Opportunities:
Once registered, the DBT aims to demystify key export processes for businesses planning to sell their goods and services overseas. Businesses can benefit from live presentations from industry experts, thought-provoking workshops, and networking opportunities. Among other topics, the DBT will provide insights into custom data requirements and systems, export documentation and transport procedures.
Foster Economic Growth:
By increasing British exports, this partnership is expected to significantly contribute to the growth of local businesses and the broader UK economy. With Blueberry’s help, the DBT can connect even more British businesses with international buyers, helping them to promote their products and services to a global audience.
Exporting services can be a challenging task and comes with its own set of complex regulations, legislations and constraints. Something Blueberry’s owner, Faresh Maisuria, is aware of. In contrast to goods, which can be closely tracked, checked and inspected on entry to another country, services can simply be exchanged over the phone or internet.
“The UK is a powerful global contender with exceptional goods and services in strong global demand,” said Faresh Maisuria. “Our exports include everything from aircraft, motor vehicle and chemical manufacturing to pharmaceutical production, environmental services and computer science technologies.
“As a service-based SME ourselves, we weren’t entirely sure how we could sell overseas - especially since we haven’t got a physical product to export. But with DBT’s support we’ve confidently embarked on our export journey, attracting a steady stream of overseas customers.”
How Businesses Can Participate
The academy runs three distinct programmes to guide businesses through every stage of their exporting journey:
1. Essentials - This element gives new exporters the basics to get started & build their export plan.
2. Masterclasses - Industry experts cover key topics for the more experienced / seasoned exporters.
3. Sector & Market - Businesses get the chance to take part in sector-specific events & access export updates from experts in their field.
Whether you are new to exporting or looking to expand your reach even further, the UK Export Academy has everything your business needs to succeed. It couldn’t be easier for businesses to get involved, register their interest and sign up. Registered businesses can kickstart their export venture by learning about their route into market, customs procedures and pricing strategies before building a bespoke export business plan.
Spread over 10 hour-long-sessions, participants can customise their learning process, working their way through the whole series or picking and choosing the most relevant topics to them. Designed and delivered by specialist trade experts, the events are repeated monthly and participants receive a recording of each event they sign up for. There are also Q&A sessions at the end of each session, giving businesses the chance to gain invaluable support from their peers and network with like-minded businesses.
For those more experienced exporters, the DBT offers a wide range of free masterclasses and events for UK businesses. So, whether you are interested in top tips for understanding VAT in Europe, export opportunities for women-led SMEs or an introduction to the new Customs Declaration Service, there is something for everyone. Participants get the chance to learn about the new Electronic Trade Documents Act, which is helping to shape the digital future of global trade. And there are also sector-specific workshops and talks where businesses can hear from esteemed local businesses who are thriving in the overseas market.
What’s Next?
Marco Forgione, Director General of the Institute of Export & International Trade, said it was positive to see improvements across a range of exports within both trade in goods and services.
“The Institute of Export & International Trade’s (IOE&IT) recent report demonstrates why we are a services powerhouse,” he said. “It’s vital that we maintain our global advantage as an exporter of services and one of the key recommendations of our report was creating regional sector specialisations – which, if implemented, will improve regional outputs. We have a clear pathway to continue this success and by focusing on our nations and regions we can work together with businesses to reap the benefits of entering new markets.”
Additional Information:
About the Department for Business & Trade
Formerly known as the Department for International Trade (DIT), the DBT is a government organisation dedicated to promoting economic growth. Through initiatives like the ‘Made in Britain’ campaign and the Export Academy, they advise, support and encourage British businesses to invest, thrive and export. They aim to open new markets for businesses by removing barriers, promoting free trade, economic security and resilient supply chains. Click here for more information on the DBT.
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