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.

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.

Find out more

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
Article Sat, 02 December 2023

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
Article Sat, 02 December 2023

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?
Article Wed, 03 November 2021

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
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.

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
Article Sat, 02 December 2023

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
Article Fri, 27 January 2023

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?
Article Mon, 22 February 2021

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

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

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. 

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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Arrange a call back

Have one of our sales advisers call you back to learn how FSB membership can help you and your business.