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.
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
The road to seamless trade for small businesses
Ready to Launch
How the export strategy can supercharge small business
Destination Digital
How small firms can unlock the benefits of global e-commerce
Small business stories
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.
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
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
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.
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.
UK Government Export Support
Online export support - whether you need to resolve an immediate challenge or find the information to get your exports moving.
UK Export Finance
UK Government-backed finance and insurance to help you export - UK Government’s export credit agency.
Report a Trade Barrier
If you’re facing a new trade barrier or have an issue with an existing trade barrier report it online.