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
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
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
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.

Six months free trial of Deloitte’s CustomsClear for FSB members
CustomsClear is the smarter way to do UK import and export customs declarations when trading with the EU. Submit declarations in as little as 10 minutes with no customs expertise needed. Pay for each declaration as and when you need to and help avoid delays with live declaration status.

Paperwork and processes
Tick the right boxes, get your paperwork in order and discover the different rules you need to follow when taking your products and services into new markets.
Merseyside & Cheshire small business support for December
Merseyside and Cheshire businesses are you wondering what is available to you and your business during December? This is the article for you. Get reading and adding dates to your diary.
Lancashire small business support for December and January
Lancashire businesses are you wondering what is available to you and your business in the upcoming months? This is the article for you. Get reading and adding dates to your diary.
What are rules of origin and how do they affect me?
Learn what rules of origin are and how to prove your product meets them to access tariff-free treatments for goods imported to or exported from the EU.

Small business stories
Go behind the scenes with small business owners and FSB members who are doing business overseas and shipping their products across the world.
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
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
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.

Taxes and finances
From paying duties and taxes to financing your expansion, explore resources designed to help you navigate the financial side of importing and exporting.
Merseyside & Cheshire small business support for December
Merseyside and Cheshire businesses are you wondering what is available to you and your business during December? This is the article for you. Get reading and adding dates to your diary.
International trade: How small firms are responding to Brexit challenges
Brexit has thrown conventional exporting and international trade norms up in the air. But amid the challenges and frustrations are opportunities, and the potential to target entirely new markets.
Is trade finance right for my business?
Learn what trade finance is, the key things to remember as a business owner and where you can find more support with our beginner's guide.

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.
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.
Hiring talent from outside the UK
The UK has completed its transition period and is no longer part of the European Union. If you hire staff from outside the UK there are extra steps you need to take.
Trading With 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.
Attend the Export Academy
The UK Export Academy is a free comprehensive training offer for UK businesses, featuring masterclasses, events, mentoring and roundtables.
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.
Explore global markets
Browse market guides to help you identify new export opportunities and prepare your business to trade in markets across the world.

Join the Federation of Small Businesses today
Join online
Joining online is quick and easy to do. Start now and we'll be welcoming you as our latest member in just a few minutes.
Book a meeting
Arrange to meet your local membership advisor virtually or face-to-face, or simply give them a call to chat about joining FSB.
Arrange a call back
Have one of our sales advisers call you back to learn how FSB membership can help you and your business.