Whether you’re searching for new market opportunities, preparing your customs paperwork, or looking to grow with trade finance, we’re supporting small businesses to trade internationally. Get ready to expand overseas with the help of expert resources and guidance.

Getting started

New to trading internationally? Learn the basics with our resources on importing, exporting and doing business overseas, including the new rules for trading with the EU.

How to get started with importing and exporting goods
Article Wed, 03 November 2021

How to get started with importing and exporting goods

Sending your products across the world or importing materials from suppliers overseas? From customs declarations to classifying goods, find out what you need to know about the process.

Seven questions for your first export order
Article Mon, 18 October 2021

Seven questions for your first export order

Received your first export order? Lesley Batchelor OBE, COO of Open Borders Direct, explains what you need to consider and how you can access additional support.

Six tips for successfully expanding your business into global markets
Article Fri, 15 October 2021

Six tips for successfully expanding your business into global markets

Getting ready to go global and expand your business internationally? Bridgehead International Agency share the key things your small business should remember when preparing to break into overseas markets.

Small business focus

The successes, challenges and requirements small businesses face when trading internationally: read our reports featuring international trade and go behind the scenes with FSB members who are doing business overseas

FSB Reports

Customs Clearance
Report Tue, 28 March 2023

Customs Clearance

The road to seamless trade for small businesses

Ready to Launch
Report Fri, 24 September 2021

Ready to Launch

How the export strategy can supercharge small business

Destination Digital
Document Fri, 01 November 2019

Destination Digital

How small firms can unlock the benefits of global e-commerce

Small business stories 

FSB Member Stories: Kevin Baker, Tyre Glider
Video Mon, 31 July 2023

FSB Member Stories: Kevin Baker, Tyre Glider

After struggling to change his bike's tyres, Kevin Baker invented Tyre Glider, an innovative solution to a common frustration for cyclists. Originally inspired by opening a can of tuna, the Welsh entrepreneur has since taken the product to global markets including the USA and Japan.

FSB Member Stories: Bruce Jones, OEE Container Technology Limited
Video Fri, 21 July 2023

FSB Member Stories: Bruce Jones, OEE Container Technology Limited

Bruce Jones takes us behind the scenes at award-winning beverage cans and packaging manufacturer OEE Container Technology Limited, based in Carlisle, Cumbria.

FSB Member Stories: Tee Sandhu, SamosaCo
Video Mon, 04 July 2022

FSB Member Stories: Tee Sandhu, SamosaCo

We went behind the scenes at SamosaCo, a family-run business based in Pontyclun, South Wales. FSB member Tee Sandhu tells us more about how the samosas his parents made in their grocery store in Toronto grew into the business they run today.

Additional resources

From recruiting talent from abroad to understanding Northern Ireland’s trading relationship with the EU, you’ll find even more support and guidance.

Get ready for the EU General Product Safety Regulation

Get ready for the EU General Product Safety Regulation

Due to come into effect on the 13 December 2024, the EU’s General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) adds obligations on UK businesses selling non-food goods intended for consumers into the EU. It will also affect businesses selling into Northern Ireland.

How to protect data when trading internationally

How to protect data when trading internationally

Learn about how you can protect data and your business when trading internationally and the legislation you need to follow.

Trading from Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland has a different trading relationship with the EU. Find support for trading internationally from NI Business Info, including understanding legal responsibilities, finding opportunities and export training.

Support from the Department for Business and Trade

You can access more guides, tools and help from international trade advisors through the UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade. Need additional help with exporting? Get in touch with an expert international trade adviser for in-depth support. 

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Attend the Export Academy

The UK Export Academy is a free comprehensive training offer for UK businesses, featuring masterclasses, events, mentoring and roundtables.

start building

Build your export
plan

Ready to sell internationally? Take your first steps to exporting and start a free export plan so you can go global successfully.

Find out more

Explore global markets

Browse market guides to help you identify new export opportunities and prepare your business to trade in markets across the world.

Find help online

UK Government Export Support

Online export support - whether you need to resolve an immediate challenge or find the information to get your exports moving.

Find out more

UK Export Finance

UK Government-backed finance and insurance to help you export - UK Government’s export credit agency.

Find out more

Report a Trade Barrier

If you’re facing a new trade barrier or have an issue with an existing trade barrier report it online.