Marketing your product or service overseas
In this guide:
- Basics of exporting
- Getting ready to export
- Selling and distribution in overseas markets
- Marketing your product or service overseas
- Legal responsibilities as an exporter
- Transport considerations when exporting
- Financial considerations when exporting
- Working effectively with different cultures
- Ten key steps to successful exporting
Getting ready to export
The key areas to research before you start exporting.
Before you commit to exporting you need to honestly assess your export potential - both in terms of the readiness of your business and of your product or service.
Conducting export market research
It's essential to carry out detailed market research to identify and evaluate the target market. You should start by examining:
- the industry structure
- the predicted demand for your product or service
- competition and how you plan to fit into that marketplace
- any modifications required to make your product or service saleable
Read more about researching export markets.
The Department of International Trade can help you find overseas customers and export opportunities.
Developing an export marketing plan
After completing your market research, you can draw up an export marketing plan defining how you will enter the new market.
Consider whether you have:
- a marketing strategy that incorporates international trade development
- the necessary financial resources
- the right people to develop the new export markets
- adequate knowledge of the requirements of your chosen market - eg modifying packaging to meet local regulations and standards
- an understanding of export payment mechanisms and export finance
Then assess whether your product is suitable for export. Consider:
- product standards and regulations in the overseas market - the British Standards Institution offers help for exporters
- the costs of adapting your product or service
Download our exporting marketing plan template (Doc, 162KB).
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Selling and distribution in overseas markets
Look at different ways of selling and distributing overseas.
There are a number of elements you need to consider to sell successfully overseas. How you organise your sales presence in export markets is one of the key decisions.
Options when selling overseas
Depending on your product, you may be able to sell directly. For example, you might be able to sell over the internet or by exhibiting at local trade shows.
Many businesses look for a partner who already understands the local market. For example:
- You can sell to a distributor who then sells your products locally.
- You can use a sales agent who sells products on your behalf, or puts you into contact with potential customers on a commission basis.
- You can enter into a joint venture with a local business. This gives you a share of the management and profits of the joint venture, but is a more complicated and expensive option.
- If you want complete control over sales, you can set up your own local office. This is the most expensive option.
The choice you make can have important financial and legal consequences.
Read more about the available support for trading outside Northern Ireland.
When arranging a sales contract with an agent or distributor, you need to ensure that responsibility for delivery and payment is clearly defined.
Intellectual property when selling overseas
It's also important to remember that intellectual property (IP) protection becomes more complicated if you sell goods overseas. Patents and trade marks are only recognised and protected in the country of origin, so you will need to secure IP protection in each country you intend to sell into. Read more about intellectual property protection overseas.
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Marketing your product or service overseas
Ideas for how to market your product or service overseas.
To succeed, your marketing strategy will need to be tailored to each target market.
You'll need to appreciate the traditions, culture and legislation of the countries you are trading with to exploit your exporting efforts. Read more about working effectively with different cultures.
Read more about the Invest NI export support.
Sales promotion overseas
Customisation of your marketing activities is essential if there are cultural differences affecting the consumption of your product.
You should consider:
- Using different media. TV viewers in one country may belong to a particular socio-economic group, while in others TV ownership is far more widespread.
- Changing symbols. For example, you may need to respect different standards of dress in promotional activities in some countries.
- Changing the market proposition. For example, bicycles are presented as a leisure item in one country, but as essential vehicles elsewhere.
Using local agents
Non-specialist research can be conducted in-house but you will need to be clear about the data you require. You will also need to set a realistic budget to cover the necessary costs.
Alternatively you could delegate the research to local agencies to save money. Local market research agencies have direct access to your potential customers. However, you should carefully consider the reputation of the agency.
Invest Northern Ireland can provide support and help in planning your entry into new overseas markets.
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Legal responsibilities as an exporter
The HM Revenue & Customs rules that apply to exporters.
You'll need to familiarise yourself with the VAT rules administered by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
In most cases, exports will be zero-rated for VAT although there are exceptions. Check with the HMRC VAT Helpline on Tel 0300 200 3700 to find out what applies to you.
Details of any exports you make must be entered on your VAT return. If you have a high level of exports to European Union (EU) member states, you may have to submit more detailed declarations in an Intrastat return. Intrastat thresholds are reviewed annually. The current thresholds are £500,000 for Arrivals and £250,000 for Dispatches.
Read an introduction to Intrastat.
For exports outside the EU you must report sales to HMRC electronically using the National Export System (NES) or using the single administrative document (SAD).
Read more about VAT rules.
Authorised Economic Operator status is not compulsory although companies that meet the requirements can take advantage of simplified customs procedures.
Security laws mean that you must declare your goods leaving the EU. If you supply normal export declarations such as the SAD, you will be covered, but if you're not declaring them in the usual way, you must complete an Exit Summary Declaration.
Export controls
Certain goods may only be exported following the issue of an export licence. Examples of goods subject to licensing control include fine art, firearms and chemicals.
Understanding the law
As soon as your goods enter another country they become subject to that country's laws.
Read Country guides: exporting to the EU and Country guides: exporting to GB and outside the EU.
You can also find out about the Invest NI support for selling outside Northern Ireland.
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Transport considerations when exporting
The transport options that are available to exporters and their insurance requirements.
Your responsibility for transport depends on your agreement with your customer or supplier. For example, you might be responsible for delivering the goods to a warehouse in the customer's country. Your obligations should be clearly set out in a written contract using Incoterms. Incoterms are standard trade terms that set out who is responsible for transporting goods, insuring the goods during transportation, paying duties and customs clearance.
Modes of transport when exporting
The best mode of transport for your goods will depend on the type of goods and how quickly they need to be delivered. You may need more than one mode, for example, sending goods by lorry to a port in the UK and then by ship overseas. The goods will need suitable packaging and labelling for transportation. It may be possible for your goods to be sent via post. Read more about international transport and distribution.
Depending on the contract, you may need to arrange insurance. Marine insurance can cover transport by air, road or rail as well as by sea.
Normally, you are responsible for UK customs procedures and your customer looks after customs in their country. In any case, you must ensure that you have the right paperwork.
Freight forwarders when exporting
Most companies use a specialist freight forwarder to handle transport. Confirm exactly what they will do and whether they can handle all documentation and other procedures. Read more about using brokers and forwarders.
Look for a forwarder who exports regularly to that destination. They can 'consolidate' your goods with other consignments in a single container to reduce costs. Reputable freight forwarders are usually members of the British International Freight Association (BIFA).
Getting international transport right can be complicated. You can get advice from a member of Invest NI International Trade team. Find out about the export support available from Invest NI.
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Financial considerations when exporting
Understand how exporting could affect your cashflow.
The delay between the shipping of goods and your receiving payment for them will affect your cashflow.
It's worth discussing your cash position with your accountant and bank manager before committing to exporting.
Export insurance
It's also important to insure your business against not being paid in case one of your overseas customers goes out of business. UK Export Finance, run by the government, may be able to offer insurance and advice, depending on the type of export. Read more about the financial support for exporting.
Other commercial providers can also give information on credit insurance and offer cover. You can find a listing through British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA).
Financial considerations
There are also currency issues you need to consider. Some of your customers could face problems obtaining foreign currency to pay for your exports. In this case, it's worth insisting on a (confirmed) irrevocable letter of credit that secures payments according to the terms of the credit and often at an agreed rate.
Businesses that sell on credit to foreign customers can use factoring or invoice discounting to free up cashflow. Export factors specialise in the collection of money from overseas. The factoring company pays you a percentage of the invoice value up-front and the balance (less their percentage) once they have collected payment.
Read more about getting paid when selling overseas.
Trading abroad
When arranging your sales contract you should ensure that delivery responsibilities are clearly defined using the Incoterms 2020 terminology and contracts.
Find out about the Invest NI support for selling outside Northern Ireland.
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Working effectively with different cultures
How to approach other cultures respectfully and effectively.
You'll need to understand the culture of your target markets to establish a successful relationship with your potential customers.
Being able to speak the language of your potential customers can help to establish mutual confidence. If you don't speak the local language, you could consider investing in foreign language training for your staff. Alternatively you could employ a translator or interpreter.
It can also help to have your promotional material translated. However, it's a good idea to avoid colloquialisms and metaphors in promotional material - they could be embarrassing in the local language.
Find out more about the Invest NI in-market support programme.
Researching overseas markets
You should conduct research into your target market to establish local considerations. These may include product or packaging modifications to enable your product to conform to local cultural demands. Or it could be that local sales and marketing channels for your particular product are different from those in the UK - mail order in one country, shops in the other, for example.
Read more about researching and entering overseas markets.
You can also find out about the Invest NI export support available.
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Ten key steps to successful exporting
Tips for how to improve your chances of exporting successfully
Follow these ten tips to help you export your products or services successfully
1. Research your market
Does your prospective foreign customer need what you are selling at the price that will yield you a profit? What is the competition and how will they react?
2. Implement an export strategy and review your capabilities
Ask yourself: what would my business gain from exporting?
3. Construct an export plan
Define how you will enter the foreign market. Finalise human resources and marketing strategy and allocate an adequate budget to cover export start-up costs.
4. Choose your sales presence
Establish whether you need a direct sales operation. Or is an agent or distributor more effective? How will you manage your overseas sales presence?
5. Promote your product
How are you going to market and sell your product? Customise marketing to the target country.
6. Get the Customs side right
Contact HM Revenue & Customs and the UK embassy of your destination country to clarify requirements. Make sure your reporting practices are watertight.
7. Get paid on time
Ensure your cashflow will remain at a safe level. Guarantee sufficient credit for your future sales. Take out insurance cover if necessary.
8. Choose your distribution methods
Consider the implications of selling over long distances and across national frontiers.
9. Transport goods effectively
Assess and choose the most effective transport method and make sure the goods are insured by you or the importer.
10. After-sales policy
Regularly liaise with customers, export agents and banks. Monitor political unrest or other adverse conditions in the country of destination. Manage regular servicing and warranty claims.
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Network support for exporting
In this guide:
- Help and support for exporting
- Export training programmes
- Financial support for exporting
- In-market support for exporting
- Research support for exporting
- Advisory support for exporting
- Finding opportunities for exporting
- Network support for exporting
- Finding support for our export business – Titanic Distillers
- Finding support for our export business - Shnuggle
Export training programmes
Find out about the available training programmes for exporters.
Training programmes and seminars provide an opportunity to get a feel for the potential of overseas markets. There is a range of export training and support available for you to access.
Invest Northern Ireland programmes
Currently, Invest NI delivers the Going Dutch programme which can help you gain access to Holland. This assistance provides businesses with consultancy support, in addition to helping you with tailored market research and market visits.
- Going Dutch - a structured programme to help businesses with little or no experience of trading outside the British Isles to explore new opportunities in Holland.
Invest Northern Ireland seminars
Invest Northern Ireland holds free seminars to help businesses explore export opportunities. These sessions give companies an understanding of how to do business in specific countries. Invest Northern Ireland's overseas trade advisers are available at the seminars to provide advice. View the Invest NI International Trade Calendar.
Business Academy
The Business Academy from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) gives businesses the know-how to sell to customers around the world by learning from experts in international trade.
It is open to any business in the UK who has a product or service that can be sold internationally. It is for businesses who know that they want to reach international customers and contracts in the future, as well as those who might already be selling beyond the UK and want to expand into new markets.
The Business Academy is delivered in various stages depending on your skill level. These include digital skills, running and growing a business and selling overseas.
Find out more about the Business Academy.
Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce
NI Chamber have a suite of tailored programmes of support to help your business grow locally and internationally.
Find out more about NI Chamber training and events.
InterTradeIreland
InterTradeIreland’s First-Time Exporters Accelerator programme is a practical, fully funded programme of support including mentoring and training in export strategy development, export market analysis and business networking opportunities.
The programme is for SMEs who have little or no experience of trading cross-border. Participating businesses will experience a stimulating and fully supported, training and mentoring programme designed to accelerate cross-border sales.
Find out more about the First-Time Exporters Accelerator programme.
InterTradeIreland’s Digital Sales Webinars are designed to provide practical guidance for businesses wishing to develop their digital skills and know-how.
This series of webinars are delivered by leading digital experts and include practical demonstrations of how to implement various digital disciplines utilising best practice.
Find out more about the Digital Sales webinars.
Council export support schemes
Local councils run programmes that provide export support. Current programmes include:
- Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council - International Trade and Development Programme
Financial support for trade and development missions for businesses who want to be equipped with the relevant in-depth knowledge, know-how and confidence to successfully operate in new markets - find out more.
Business finance and support finder
The Business Finance and Support Finder is a searchable database that can help you find publicly-funded sources of assistance including training programmes. Support may be available in a number of forms, including financial assistance and free or subsidised advice services.
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Financial support for exporting
Learn about the financial support schemes available to exporters.
There are many sources of government funding for businesses in Northern Ireland wanting to trade overseas.
UK Export Finance
UK Export Finance (UKEF) is the UK's export credit agency providing trade finance and insurance to assist UK exporters of all sizes and across all sectors. The government department supports exports of all types, including goods, services and intellectual property.
Its regional network of Export Finance Advisers offers free export finance advice and guidance to UK exporters. This includes access to information on solving the financial challenges involved in selling overseas, including issues such as obtaining credit insurance to protect your business while taking advantage of international sales opportunities. Export Finance Advisers can also advise on UKEF's range of government-backed guarantees and insurance products.
Win contracts: financing
The attractive financing terms UKEF can offer to overseas buyers of UK goods and services can help exporters make their offering more competitive.
- Buyer Credit Facilities
- Local Currency Financing
- Direct Lending
- Early Project Services Guarantee
- Lines of Credit
- Standard Buyer Loan Guarantee
- Bills and Notes Guarantee
Fulfil orders: guarantee schemes
UKEF can help companies access the support they need to fulfil a contract, giving them the confidence to take on more contracts and increase their turnover.
- Bond Support Scheme
- Export Development Guarantee
- Export Working Capital Scheme
- General Export Facility
- Shipbuilding Credit Guarantee Scheme
- Supply Chain Discount Guarantee
To learn more about the UKEF guarantee schemes, email customer.service@ukexportfinance.gov.uk. Alternatively, contact your local export finance manager.
Get paid: insurance
UKEF can help companies manage risks in challenging markets, ensuring that they get paid even where the private market is not able to offer insurance.
The Export Working Capital Scheme helps UK exporters access working capital finance for specific export-related contracts.
UKEF can provide partial guarantees covering up to 80% of the risk to lenders to cover the credit risks associated with export working capital facilities both pre- and post-shipment. Find out more about the Export Working Capital Scheme.
Businesses in Northern Ireland can email UKEF's local Export Finance Manager at elizabeth.mccrory@ukexportfinance.gov.uk.
Invest Northern Ireland
Access to Finance is a package of five funds that help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with high growth potential. The financial support is available through loans and equity, to businesses of different sizes or at different stages of growth or development.
InterTradeIreland
InterTradeIreland offers a range of support to export businesses, for example:
The Acumen programme can assist you to source and fund the right people to help you increase your cross-border export sales, including helping you improve your knowledge of the market and identify new business opportunities.
Business finance and support finder
The Business Finance and Support Finder is a searchable database that can help you find publicly-funded sources of assistance. Support may be available in a number of forms, including financial assistance and free or subsidised advice services.
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In-market support for exporting
Learn more about the in-market support schemes available to exporters.
Once you are established in your business in a chosen market there are numerous support schemes to provide ongoing support.
Trade Advisory Service
The Trade Advisory Service provides businesses with tailored export consultancy from Invest Northern Ireland advisors based in overseas markets. For information on the Trade Advisory Service call the Invest NI Business Support Team helpline on Tel 0800 181 4422.
Department for Business and Trade in-market support
Eligible UK businesses can access trade expertise and knowledge on exporting to specific countries from the Department for Business Trade’s (DBT) global network of international market hubs.
Businesses referred to a regional hub can expect to receive:
- one-to-one advice from an in-market trade adviser who can help businesses consider their next steps
- access to a wide range of sector reports, market intelligence, and guides related to things to consider on exporting to those markets
- introductions to a network of private sector service providers to help businesses with issues on a commercial basis, including local accountants, legal experts, and sector specialists
To be considered for support, businesses should have a:
- turnover of £500,000 or more
- product or service ready to export
Businesses should also have some experience of exporting already and be looking to enter or expand to a new market.
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Research support for exporting
Learn about the available research support for exporters.
It's important to know which markets offer the best fit with your business so that you can effectively target your export activity. Invest Northern Ireland has extensive databases and expertise to help you research export markets. Focused market research will increase your chances of successfully selling into markets outside Northern Ireland.
Invest Northern Ireland Business Information Centre
The Invest NI Business Information Centre is based in Invest NI headquarters in Bedford Street, Belfast. It provides free access to market research, worldwide databases of potential customers or suppliers and directories listing exhibitions, trade journals and newspapers. To access this information, call the Invest NI Business Support Team helpline on Tel 0800 181 4422. See research competitors and markets.
Enterprise Europe Network
The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) offers local support and advice to help businesses make the most of the opportunities in the European Union. The team can provide guidance on European Union funding, business opportunities and legislation. To access the support available through the Enterprise Europe Network, call the Invest NI Business Support Team helpline on Tel 0800 181 4422.
InterTradeIreland Acumen programme
InterTradeIreland's Acumen programme can assist you to source and fund the right people to help you increase your cross-border export sales North or South to help you improve your knowledge of the market and identify new business opportunities.
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Advisory support for exporting
Learn about the advisory support available for exporters.
There are several sources of advice for businesses in Northern Ireland wanting to trade overseas.
Trader Support Service
Changes have been made to the way goods move in and out of Northern Ireland. If you have not already prepared for these changes, you may be unable to move your goods.
The Trader Support Service can help your business adapt to the changes. The service is free to use and:
- offers comprehensive education, training and advice about the changes to the way your goods move under the Windsor Framework
- can complete customs and safety and security declarations on your behalf where these are required for movements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland so you do not have to access HMRC systems directly
Sign up for the Trader Support Service.
UK Export Academy
Business owners and entrepreneurs across Northern Ireland can receive tailored support to boost their exporting skills and sell their goods and services to new markets worldwide.
Export Academy modules, which are delivered online and free of charge, are open to all Northern Ireland businesses regardless of their size or stage of exporting journey, to ensure that as many businesses as possible can learn from experts in international trade and successfully sell around the world.
See the latest UK Export Academy webinars.
Northern Ireland Customs and Trade Academy (NICTA)
The Northern Ireland Customs and Trade Academy (NICTA) is an online learning platform preparing firms for new processes involved in moving goods under the Windsor Framework.
Developed as part of the Trader Support Service (TSS), NICTA provides online training, webinars and ‘how-to’ guides to all those involved in trade between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
Access support from the Northern Ireland Customs & Trade Academy.
Export Support Service (ESS)
The Export Support Service is a UK government helpline and online service that businesses can access to get answers to practical questions about exporting to Europe.
It is a free service available to all UK businesses. You can access the Export Support Service online or call the export support team on Tel 0300 303 8955.
If you’re a UK business trading with Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus or Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories and have questions about the current trading situation, contact the UK government's export support team.
Invest Northern Ireland support
Invest NI offers a range of advisory support to businesses planning to sell outside Northern Ireland:
- Export Health Check - The Invest NI Export Health Check will help you assess your existing exporting capability. By answering a few short questions, you will be provided with a tailored guide that will give you the tools to develop your own bespoke export strategy.
- In-market research - Trade Advisers are based in Brazil, China (Beijing), Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Tokyo, Australia, Dubai, Europe, India, London (construction sector), Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United States of America. Additionally, specialist food advisors are located in France, Germany, Italy and Spain.
- Trade Advisory Services (TAS) GB/ROI - the Trade Advisory Service service provides consultants to work with businesses and assist them in growing their sales in the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain. New exporters can benefit from practical advice in identifying and addressing barriers to export trade while experienced exporters will benefit from increased export sales through current and new export market development and capability development.
- Legal advice - assistance for companies new to exporting or selling into new overseas markets. This support is subject to eligibility criteria.
- Translation services - support for translation services for businesses new to foreign language markets and interpreting services for in-market meetings. This support is subject to eligibility criteria.
Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce
NI Chamber offers technical expertise, training and advice, specific to the needs of companies trading from and with Northern Ireland.
View the range of export training courses.
The Export Documentation service from NI Chamber offers a range of services to help exporters complete the necessary paperwork required when exporting.
NI Chamber can help your business with customs declarations by processing import declarations to the Customs Declarations Service (CDS) for movements from GB to NI. To register for this service you should email: dawn.robertson@northernirelandchamber.com.
NI Chamber can also review your import and export processes to ensure that current processes are compliant and that the correct documentation and appropriate codes accompany export activity. To register for this service you should email: dawn.robertson@northernirelandchamber.com.
InterTradeIreland
InterTradeIreland offers various advisory support schemes to help businesses export.
Funding Advisory Service
InterTradeIreland’s Funding Advisory Service for Established Businesses is aimed at SMEs who are looking for new or alternative sources of funding to finance business growth.
20 companies each year will be allowed to participate in the programme. 14 from the Republic of Ireland six from Northern Ireland. The programme's objective is to improve participants' capacity to raise finance to enable their businesses to grow.
Note applicants to the programme will be required to have a minimum annual turnover of £100,000 (or €uro equivalent), have a trading history of a minimum of 18 months and should have attended a workshop. Applicants to the programme will be required to submit their most recent annual accounts and a business plan.
Trade Export Pathway
InterTradeIreland’s Trade Export Pathway offers free, specialist support to grow your exports across six different steps of the pathway. It’s a quick and simple application process and your business will benefit from bespoke support tailored to your specific needs.
The Trade Export Pathway aims to help businesses graduate from being non-exporters, first-time exporters, inexperienced exporters, and experienced exporters, to become advanced exporters.
Tailored support is available for each of the below steps, allowing you to have a specialist work with you and your business to help establish and grow your exports over time.
- Charting your route: develop your cross-border export plan
- Reaching the customer: develop your cross-border export marketing strategy
- Opening the door: entering your target market
- Selling your product: building sales development skills
- Growing your exports: cross-border lead prospecting and generation
- Measuring your success: cross-border business strategy development
Cross-Border Trade Hub
InterTradeIreland has created a comprehensive business hub, which contains the latest information for businesses engaged in, or planning to engage in, cross-border trade between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The Cross-Border Trade Hub provides information on a variety of topics, including trade in goods and services, focusing on customs, VAT, regulation and cross-border employment.
Access the Cross-Border Trade Hub.
Business finance and support finder
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Finding opportunities for exporting
How to find opportunities for exporting.
Having knowledge of specific products or services that are in demand outside Northern Ireland, and keeping up-to-date on the latest contract opportunities, can help boost your business performance and profitability. There is support available to help you identify these openings.
Invest Northern Ireland support
- Tenders alert service - businesses can register to receive alerts of competitions for public sector contracts, which have just been advertised and match your area of expertise. The service costs £100 per annum. To sign up for tender notifications, call the Invest NI Boosting Business helpline on Tel 0800 181 4422. See research competitors and markets.
- Tender guides - specific guides have been developed to assist you tender for new opportunities. You can download: The Tender Process (PDF, 646KB), Top tips for successful tendering (PDF, 590KB), Preparation and understanding the market (PDF, 793KB).
- Workshops - there are regular workshops listed on our Events Finder that can assist with business tendering.
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Network support for exporting
Available networking support for exporters.
When you're moving into a new business area, it pays to use the advice of people who already have significant experience. Other people who have been through the same processes can offer invaluable advice. They can also warn you of the potential pitfalls.
Invest Northern Ireland
Invest Northern Ireland provides services and programmes that put inexperienced international traders in touch with experienced traders to learn and share ideas.
Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce
NI Chamber run various high profile networking events, connections and forums to help local businesses connect.
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Help and support for exporting
Finding support for our export business – Titanic Distillers
Siobhán Winston, General Manager at Titanic Distillers, explains the export support that has helped the company grow.
Titanic Distillers is the first Belfast based whiskey distillery in over 90 years. The business is based in the shipyard where the Titanic and many of its sister vessels were built.
This distillery marks a major revival of Belfast's whiskey-making tradition, an industry dormant since the era of prohibition in the 1930s.
Siobhán Winston, General Manager at Titanic Distillers, shares the company's journey into exporting, which countries they currently export to, how those countries were chosen and the support that helped their growth.
Preparing to export
"We currently export to numerous countries including the Republic of Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Germany, France, Ukraine, Denmark, and the Netherlands."
"While researching these markets, I conducted comprehensive case studies for each country to understand the market landscape before engaging with potential distributors. It was essential to research the various market requirements, including regulatory compliance, labelling laws, import duties, and other standard compliance criteria unique to each country. "
"Exporting plays a big role in our company’s growth. It helps us reach new customers, expands our sales beyond the local market, and reduces risk by not relying on just one region. "
"Going international has also pushed us to improve our products and stay competitive, as different markets often have distinct preferences. Overall, this expansion has been key to scaling the business and spotting new opportunities."
Business challenges
"One of the biggest challenges we faced was navigating the different rules and regulations in each country; it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. We managed this by thorough research and relying on local contacts familiar with specific details. Identifying the right distributors was crucial for successfully entering new markets."
"Another challenge was the lengthy time required to establish new export channels. Looking back, we would have set more realistic expectations for this timeline."
"We also encountered barriers when competing for funding or accessing support, as the Irish whiskey market has grown significantly, increasing competition with other new brands looking for guidance and resources."
Events and networking
"Establishing strong networks in target markets is vital. These networks provide insights into local market dynamics, help mitigate risks, and facilitate connections with key stakeholders."
"We have participated in many trade missions and exhibitions including ProWein, an international trade fair for wine and spirits, with Invest NI. We also joined the Going Dutch programmes with Invest NI and recently travelled to Japan with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT)."
Support and guidance
"Securing financial and advisory support has been key to our success. Access to the right financial resources allowed efficient scaling, investment in key areas, and effective cash flow management during growth phases."
“We have had support from Invest NI on their Going Dutch programme, trade stand assistance at ProWein and arranged meetings with potential distributors in new territories."
"Ongoing support from DBT through trade missions to the US, Europe, and Japan has also been invaluable."
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Help and support for exporting
Finding support for our export business - Shnuggle
Sinead Murphy, co-founder of Shnuggle, shares how the business has expanded into international markets with help from business support in Northern Ireland.
Based in Newtownards, County Down, Shnuggle designs innovative baby products to make parenting easier.
The company has grown into a multi-award-winning baby brand, trusted by parents around the world. Today, Shnuggle exports to more than 40 countries, with its largest markets in South Korea, New Zealand and the USA.
Sinead Murphy, co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer, explains how the business began its export journey, the support received along the way, and how it managed challenges to reach new markets.
Preparing to export
“When exploring a new market, we consider a range of factors. We look at cultural differences, popular baby products and the success of other brands in that market. Exhibiting at major industry trade shows has also been important - it allows us to meet potential business-to-business customers from new markets who are often keen to represent our brand.”
“At Shnuggle, product safety and quality are always our top priorities. Each product goes through extensive safety testing, and different markets often have their own additional requirement beyond those in the UK or EU.”
“Some partners prefer to create their own marketing materials, while others use the UK version of our assets. We work closely with them to maintain brand consistency while adapting to local needs.”
“Exporting now represents almost 50% of Shnuggle’s business. When we first launched, we sold to customers in the UK and Ireland. Expanding into global markets has been transformative for our company.”
Business challenges
“International growth has brought challenges, but none that we haven’t been able to overcome. As your products gain popularity, the risk of imitation increases. However, being the original brand owner and designer gives you the options to protect and reduce this risk.”
“Staying informed about economic, social and environmental changes in each market is also important. We’ve experienced occasional disruptions from extreme weather events and elections, so maintaining regular contact with our overseas partners is essential.”
Events and networking
“We’ve exhibited at major trade fairs across Europe, the USA and China, and we also support partners to showcase the brand in their own markets.”
“Our first major trade mission was through Invest NI’s Going Dutch programme, which helped a small group of local brands meet with potential distributors in Amsterdam. That experience led to our launch in the Netherlands, and we then applied the same approach to entering other new markets.”
“Entering a new market can sometimes seem daunting. A strong network in your target market is invaluable. The Invest NI teams in offices around the world have been a great source of support. Their local experts have helped us research baby retail trends within those markets.”
Support and guidance
“Over the years, Shnuggle has benefited from support and guidance from various organisations. Our first Business Bootcamp was provided by our local council, Ards and North Down, where we were matched with a business mentor who helped us the business basics and later joined our board.”
“As an Invest NI client, we received support to attend trade shows, recruit new staff and deliver marketing activity. We also took part in an InterTradeIreland sales development programme, which helped us grow cross-border trade. Through the Springboard programme, and with guidance from a business mentor, we were better prepared to pitch for investment as we continued to grow and scale.”
“Compared to our industry peers in Great Britain, we’ve had excellent opportunities to access support, including funding for travel and international exhibitions - support that has been crucial in helping us compete on the world stage.”
“Access to business funding information has improved greatly since we started Shnuggle. It was once difficult to know what was available, but now it’s much easier to search online and find support based on your business needs.”
“We’ve built a brand that’s recognised worldwide for safety and quality, as well as a workplace where our team can develop their skills and grow with us.”
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Advisory support for exporting
In this guide:
- Help and support for exporting
- Export training programmes
- Financial support for exporting
- In-market support for exporting
- Research support for exporting
- Advisory support for exporting
- Finding opportunities for exporting
- Network support for exporting
- Finding support for our export business – Titanic Distillers
- Finding support for our export business - Shnuggle
Export training programmes
Find out about the available training programmes for exporters.
Training programmes and seminars provide an opportunity to get a feel for the potential of overseas markets. There is a range of export training and support available for you to access.
Invest Northern Ireland programmes
Currently, Invest NI delivers the Going Dutch programme which can help you gain access to Holland. This assistance provides businesses with consultancy support, in addition to helping you with tailored market research and market visits.
- Going Dutch - a structured programme to help businesses with little or no experience of trading outside the British Isles to explore new opportunities in Holland.
Invest Northern Ireland seminars
Invest Northern Ireland holds free seminars to help businesses explore export opportunities. These sessions give companies an understanding of how to do business in specific countries. Invest Northern Ireland's overseas trade advisers are available at the seminars to provide advice. View the Invest NI International Trade Calendar.
Business Academy
The Business Academy from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) gives businesses the know-how to sell to customers around the world by learning from experts in international trade.
It is open to any business in the UK who has a product or service that can be sold internationally. It is for businesses who know that they want to reach international customers and contracts in the future, as well as those who might already be selling beyond the UK and want to expand into new markets.
The Business Academy is delivered in various stages depending on your skill level. These include digital skills, running and growing a business and selling overseas.
Find out more about the Business Academy.
Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce
NI Chamber have a suite of tailored programmes of support to help your business grow locally and internationally.
Find out more about NI Chamber training and events.
InterTradeIreland
InterTradeIreland’s First-Time Exporters Accelerator programme is a practical, fully funded programme of support including mentoring and training in export strategy development, export market analysis and business networking opportunities.
The programme is for SMEs who have little or no experience of trading cross-border. Participating businesses will experience a stimulating and fully supported, training and mentoring programme designed to accelerate cross-border sales.
Find out more about the First-Time Exporters Accelerator programme.
InterTradeIreland’s Digital Sales Webinars are designed to provide practical guidance for businesses wishing to develop their digital skills and know-how.
This series of webinars are delivered by leading digital experts and include practical demonstrations of how to implement various digital disciplines utilising best practice.
Find out more about the Digital Sales webinars.
Council export support schemes
Local councils run programmes that provide export support. Current programmes include:
- Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council - International Trade and Development Programme
Financial support for trade and development missions for businesses who want to be equipped with the relevant in-depth knowledge, know-how and confidence to successfully operate in new markets - find out more.
Business finance and support finder
The Business Finance and Support Finder is a searchable database that can help you find publicly-funded sources of assistance including training programmes. Support may be available in a number of forms, including financial assistance and free or subsidised advice services.
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Financial support for exporting
Learn about the financial support schemes available to exporters.
There are many sources of government funding for businesses in Northern Ireland wanting to trade overseas.
UK Export Finance
UK Export Finance (UKEF) is the UK's export credit agency providing trade finance and insurance to assist UK exporters of all sizes and across all sectors. The government department supports exports of all types, including goods, services and intellectual property.
Its regional network of Export Finance Advisers offers free export finance advice and guidance to UK exporters. This includes access to information on solving the financial challenges involved in selling overseas, including issues such as obtaining credit insurance to protect your business while taking advantage of international sales opportunities. Export Finance Advisers can also advise on UKEF's range of government-backed guarantees and insurance products.
Win contracts: financing
The attractive financing terms UKEF can offer to overseas buyers of UK goods and services can help exporters make their offering more competitive.
- Buyer Credit Facilities
- Local Currency Financing
- Direct Lending
- Early Project Services Guarantee
- Lines of Credit
- Standard Buyer Loan Guarantee
- Bills and Notes Guarantee
Fulfil orders: guarantee schemes
UKEF can help companies access the support they need to fulfil a contract, giving them the confidence to take on more contracts and increase their turnover.
- Bond Support Scheme
- Export Development Guarantee
- Export Working Capital Scheme
- General Export Facility
- Shipbuilding Credit Guarantee Scheme
- Supply Chain Discount Guarantee
To learn more about the UKEF guarantee schemes, email customer.service@ukexportfinance.gov.uk. Alternatively, contact your local export finance manager.
Get paid: insurance
UKEF can help companies manage risks in challenging markets, ensuring that they get paid even where the private market is not able to offer insurance.
The Export Working Capital Scheme helps UK exporters access working capital finance for specific export-related contracts.
UKEF can provide partial guarantees covering up to 80% of the risk to lenders to cover the credit risks associated with export working capital facilities both pre- and post-shipment. Find out more about the Export Working Capital Scheme.
Businesses in Northern Ireland can email UKEF's local Export Finance Manager at elizabeth.mccrory@ukexportfinance.gov.uk.
Invest Northern Ireland
Access to Finance is a package of five funds that help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with high growth potential. The financial support is available through loans and equity, to businesses of different sizes or at different stages of growth or development.
InterTradeIreland
InterTradeIreland offers a range of support to export businesses, for example:
The Acumen programme can assist you to source and fund the right people to help you increase your cross-border export sales, including helping you improve your knowledge of the market and identify new business opportunities.
Business finance and support finder
The Business Finance and Support Finder is a searchable database that can help you find publicly-funded sources of assistance. Support may be available in a number of forms, including financial assistance and free or subsidised advice services.
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In-market support for exporting
Learn more about the in-market support schemes available to exporters.
Once you are established in your business in a chosen market there are numerous support schemes to provide ongoing support.
Trade Advisory Service
The Trade Advisory Service provides businesses with tailored export consultancy from Invest Northern Ireland advisors based in overseas markets. For information on the Trade Advisory Service call the Invest NI Business Support Team helpline on Tel 0800 181 4422.
Department for Business and Trade in-market support
Eligible UK businesses can access trade expertise and knowledge on exporting to specific countries from the Department for Business Trade’s (DBT) global network of international market hubs.
Businesses referred to a regional hub can expect to receive:
- one-to-one advice from an in-market trade adviser who can help businesses consider their next steps
- access to a wide range of sector reports, market intelligence, and guides related to things to consider on exporting to those markets
- introductions to a network of private sector service providers to help businesses with issues on a commercial basis, including local accountants, legal experts, and sector specialists
To be considered for support, businesses should have a:
- turnover of £500,000 or more
- product or service ready to export
Businesses should also have some experience of exporting already and be looking to enter or expand to a new market.
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Research support for exporting
Learn about the available research support for exporters.
It's important to know which markets offer the best fit with your business so that you can effectively target your export activity. Invest Northern Ireland has extensive databases and expertise to help you research export markets. Focused market research will increase your chances of successfully selling into markets outside Northern Ireland.
Invest Northern Ireland Business Information Centre
The Invest NI Business Information Centre is based in Invest NI headquarters in Bedford Street, Belfast. It provides free access to market research, worldwide databases of potential customers or suppliers and directories listing exhibitions, trade journals and newspapers. To access this information, call the Invest NI Business Support Team helpline on Tel 0800 181 4422. See research competitors and markets.
Enterprise Europe Network
The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) offers local support and advice to help businesses make the most of the opportunities in the European Union. The team can provide guidance on European Union funding, business opportunities and legislation. To access the support available through the Enterprise Europe Network, call the Invest NI Business Support Team helpline on Tel 0800 181 4422.
InterTradeIreland Acumen programme
InterTradeIreland's Acumen programme can assist you to source and fund the right people to help you increase your cross-border export sales North or South to help you improve your knowledge of the market and identify new business opportunities.
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Advisory support for exporting
Learn about the advisory support available for exporters.
There are several sources of advice for businesses in Northern Ireland wanting to trade overseas.
Trader Support Service
Changes have been made to the way goods move in and out of Northern Ireland. If you have not already prepared for these changes, you may be unable to move your goods.
The Trader Support Service can help your business adapt to the changes. The service is free to use and:
- offers comprehensive education, training and advice about the changes to the way your goods move under the Windsor Framework
- can complete customs and safety and security declarations on your behalf where these are required for movements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland so you do not have to access HMRC systems directly
Sign up for the Trader Support Service.
UK Export Academy
Business owners and entrepreneurs across Northern Ireland can receive tailored support to boost their exporting skills and sell their goods and services to new markets worldwide.
Export Academy modules, which are delivered online and free of charge, are open to all Northern Ireland businesses regardless of their size or stage of exporting journey, to ensure that as many businesses as possible can learn from experts in international trade and successfully sell around the world.
See the latest UK Export Academy webinars.
Northern Ireland Customs and Trade Academy (NICTA)
The Northern Ireland Customs and Trade Academy (NICTA) is an online learning platform preparing firms for new processes involved in moving goods under the Windsor Framework.
Developed as part of the Trader Support Service (TSS), NICTA provides online training, webinars and ‘how-to’ guides to all those involved in trade between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
Access support from the Northern Ireland Customs & Trade Academy.
Export Support Service (ESS)
The Export Support Service is a UK government helpline and online service that businesses can access to get answers to practical questions about exporting to Europe.
It is a free service available to all UK businesses. You can access the Export Support Service online or call the export support team on Tel 0300 303 8955.
If you’re a UK business trading with Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus or Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories and have questions about the current trading situation, contact the UK government's export support team.
Invest Northern Ireland support
Invest NI offers a range of advisory support to businesses planning to sell outside Northern Ireland:
- Export Health Check - The Invest NI Export Health Check will help you assess your existing exporting capability. By answering a few short questions, you will be provided with a tailored guide that will give you the tools to develop your own bespoke export strategy.
- In-market research - Trade Advisers are based in Brazil, China (Beijing), Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Tokyo, Australia, Dubai, Europe, India, London (construction sector), Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United States of America. Additionally, specialist food advisors are located in France, Germany, Italy and Spain.
- Trade Advisory Services (TAS) GB/ROI - the Trade Advisory Service service provides consultants to work with businesses and assist them in growing their sales in the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain. New exporters can benefit from practical advice in identifying and addressing barriers to export trade while experienced exporters will benefit from increased export sales through current and new export market development and capability development.
- Legal advice - assistance for companies new to exporting or selling into new overseas markets. This support is subject to eligibility criteria.
- Translation services - support for translation services for businesses new to foreign language markets and interpreting services for in-market meetings. This support is subject to eligibility criteria.
Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce
NI Chamber offers technical expertise, training and advice, specific to the needs of companies trading from and with Northern Ireland.
View the range of export training courses.
The Export Documentation service from NI Chamber offers a range of services to help exporters complete the necessary paperwork required when exporting.
NI Chamber can help your business with customs declarations by processing import declarations to the Customs Declarations Service (CDS) for movements from GB to NI. To register for this service you should email: dawn.robertson@northernirelandchamber.com.
NI Chamber can also review your import and export processes to ensure that current processes are compliant and that the correct documentation and appropriate codes accompany export activity. To register for this service you should email: dawn.robertson@northernirelandchamber.com.
InterTradeIreland
InterTradeIreland offers various advisory support schemes to help businesses export.
Funding Advisory Service
InterTradeIreland’s Funding Advisory Service for Established Businesses is aimed at SMEs who are looking for new or alternative sources of funding to finance business growth.
20 companies each year will be allowed to participate in the programme. 14 from the Republic of Ireland six from Northern Ireland. The programme's objective is to improve participants' capacity to raise finance to enable their businesses to grow.
Note applicants to the programme will be required to have a minimum annual turnover of £100,000 (or €uro equivalent), have a trading history of a minimum of 18 months and should have attended a workshop. Applicants to the programme will be required to submit their most recent annual accounts and a business plan.
Trade Export Pathway
InterTradeIreland’s Trade Export Pathway offers free, specialist support to grow your exports across six different steps of the pathway. It’s a quick and simple application process and your business will benefit from bespoke support tailored to your specific needs.
The Trade Export Pathway aims to help businesses graduate from being non-exporters, first-time exporters, inexperienced exporters, and experienced exporters, to become advanced exporters.
Tailored support is available for each of the below steps, allowing you to have a specialist work with you and your business to help establish and grow your exports over time.
- Charting your route: develop your cross-border export plan
- Reaching the customer: develop your cross-border export marketing strategy
- Opening the door: entering your target market
- Selling your product: building sales development skills
- Growing your exports: cross-border lead prospecting and generation
- Measuring your success: cross-border business strategy development
Cross-Border Trade Hub
InterTradeIreland has created a comprehensive business hub, which contains the latest information for businesses engaged in, or planning to engage in, cross-border trade between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The Cross-Border Trade Hub provides information on a variety of topics, including trade in goods and services, focusing on customs, VAT, regulation and cross-border employment.
Access the Cross-Border Trade Hub.
Business finance and support finder
The Business Finance and Support Finder is a searchable database that can help you find publicly-funded sources of assistance. Support may be available in several forms, including financial assistance and free or subsidised advice services.Also on this siteContent category
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Finding opportunities for exporting
How to find opportunities for exporting.
Having knowledge of specific products or services that are in demand outside Northern Ireland, and keeping up-to-date on the latest contract opportunities, can help boost your business performance and profitability. There is support available to help you identify these openings.
Invest Northern Ireland support
- Tenders alert service - businesses can register to receive alerts of competitions for public sector contracts, which have just been advertised and match your area of expertise. The service costs £100 per annum. To sign up for tender notifications, call the Invest NI Boosting Business helpline on Tel 0800 181 4422. See research competitors and markets.
- Tender guides - specific guides have been developed to assist you tender for new opportunities. You can download: The Tender Process (PDF, 646KB), Top tips for successful tendering (PDF, 590KB), Preparation and understanding the market (PDF, 793KB).
- Workshops - there are regular workshops listed on our Events Finder that can assist with business tendering.
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Network support for exporting
Available networking support for exporters.
When you're moving into a new business area, it pays to use the advice of people who already have significant experience. Other people who have been through the same processes can offer invaluable advice. They can also warn you of the potential pitfalls.
Invest Northern Ireland
Invest Northern Ireland provides services and programmes that put inexperienced international traders in touch with experienced traders to learn and share ideas.
Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce
NI Chamber run various high profile networking events, connections and forums to help local businesses connect.
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Help and support for exporting
Finding support for our export business – Titanic Distillers
Siobhán Winston, General Manager at Titanic Distillers, explains the export support that has helped the company grow.
Titanic Distillers is the first Belfast based whiskey distillery in over 90 years. The business is based in the shipyard where the Titanic and many of its sister vessels were built.
This distillery marks a major revival of Belfast's whiskey-making tradition, an industry dormant since the era of prohibition in the 1930s.
Siobhán Winston, General Manager at Titanic Distillers, shares the company's journey into exporting, which countries they currently export to, how those countries were chosen and the support that helped their growth.
Preparing to export
"We currently export to numerous countries including the Republic of Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Germany, France, Ukraine, Denmark, and the Netherlands."
"While researching these markets, I conducted comprehensive case studies for each country to understand the market landscape before engaging with potential distributors. It was essential to research the various market requirements, including regulatory compliance, labelling laws, import duties, and other standard compliance criteria unique to each country. "
"Exporting plays a big role in our company’s growth. It helps us reach new customers, expands our sales beyond the local market, and reduces risk by not relying on just one region. "
"Going international has also pushed us to improve our products and stay competitive, as different markets often have distinct preferences. Overall, this expansion has been key to scaling the business and spotting new opportunities."
Business challenges
"One of the biggest challenges we faced was navigating the different rules and regulations in each country; it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. We managed this by thorough research and relying on local contacts familiar with specific details. Identifying the right distributors was crucial for successfully entering new markets."
"Another challenge was the lengthy time required to establish new export channels. Looking back, we would have set more realistic expectations for this timeline."
"We also encountered barriers when competing for funding or accessing support, as the Irish whiskey market has grown significantly, increasing competition with other new brands looking for guidance and resources."
Events and networking
"Establishing strong networks in target markets is vital. These networks provide insights into local market dynamics, help mitigate risks, and facilitate connections with key stakeholders."
"We have participated in many trade missions and exhibitions including ProWein, an international trade fair for wine and spirits, with Invest NI. We also joined the Going Dutch programmes with Invest NI and recently travelled to Japan with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT)."
Support and guidance
"Securing financial and advisory support has been key to our success. Access to the right financial resources allowed efficient scaling, investment in key areas, and effective cash flow management during growth phases."
“We have had support from Invest NI on their Going Dutch programme, trade stand assistance at ProWein and arranged meetings with potential distributors in new territories."
"Ongoing support from DBT through trade missions to the US, Europe, and Japan has also been invaluable."
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Help and support for exporting
Finding support for our export business - Shnuggle
Sinead Murphy, co-founder of Shnuggle, shares how the business has expanded into international markets with help from business support in Northern Ireland.
Based in Newtownards, County Down, Shnuggle designs innovative baby products to make parenting easier.
The company has grown into a multi-award-winning baby brand, trusted by parents around the world. Today, Shnuggle exports to more than 40 countries, with its largest markets in South Korea, New Zealand and the USA.
Sinead Murphy, co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer, explains how the business began its export journey, the support received along the way, and how it managed challenges to reach new markets.
Preparing to export
“When exploring a new market, we consider a range of factors. We look at cultural differences, popular baby products and the success of other brands in that market. Exhibiting at major industry trade shows has also been important - it allows us to meet potential business-to-business customers from new markets who are often keen to represent our brand.”
“At Shnuggle, product safety and quality are always our top priorities. Each product goes through extensive safety testing, and different markets often have their own additional requirement beyond those in the UK or EU.”
“Some partners prefer to create their own marketing materials, while others use the UK version of our assets. We work closely with them to maintain brand consistency while adapting to local needs.”
“Exporting now represents almost 50% of Shnuggle’s business. When we first launched, we sold to customers in the UK and Ireland. Expanding into global markets has been transformative for our company.”
Business challenges
“International growth has brought challenges, but none that we haven’t been able to overcome. As your products gain popularity, the risk of imitation increases. However, being the original brand owner and designer gives you the options to protect and reduce this risk.”
“Staying informed about economic, social and environmental changes in each market is also important. We’ve experienced occasional disruptions from extreme weather events and elections, so maintaining regular contact with our overseas partners is essential.”
Events and networking
“We’ve exhibited at major trade fairs across Europe, the USA and China, and we also support partners to showcase the brand in their own markets.”
“Our first major trade mission was through Invest NI’s Going Dutch programme, which helped a small group of local brands meet with potential distributors in Amsterdam. That experience led to our launch in the Netherlands, and we then applied the same approach to entering other new markets.”
“Entering a new market can sometimes seem daunting. A strong network in your target market is invaluable. The Invest NI teams in offices around the world have been a great source of support. Their local experts have helped us research baby retail trends within those markets.”
Support and guidance
“Over the years, Shnuggle has benefited from support and guidance from various organisations. Our first Business Bootcamp was provided by our local council, Ards and North Down, where we were matched with a business mentor who helped us the business basics and later joined our board.”
“As an Invest NI client, we received support to attend trade shows, recruit new staff and deliver marketing activity. We also took part in an InterTradeIreland sales development programme, which helped us grow cross-border trade. Through the Springboard programme, and with guidance from a business mentor, we were better prepared to pitch for investment as we continued to grow and scale.”
“Compared to our industry peers in Great Britain, we’ve had excellent opportunities to access support, including funding for travel and international exhibitions - support that has been crucial in helping us compete on the world stage.”
“Access to business funding information has improved greatly since we started Shnuggle. It was once difficult to know what was available, but now it’s much easier to search online and find support based on your business needs.”
“We’ve built a brand that’s recognised worldwide for safety and quality, as well as a workplace where our team can develop their skills and grow with us.”
Case StudySinead MurphyContent category
Source URL
/content/finding-support-our-export-business-shnuggle
Links
Finding opportunities for exporting
In this guide:
- Help and support for exporting
- Export training programmes
- Financial support for exporting
- In-market support for exporting
- Research support for exporting
- Advisory support for exporting
- Finding opportunities for exporting
- Network support for exporting
- Finding support for our export business – Titanic Distillers
- Finding support for our export business - Shnuggle
Export training programmes
Find out about the available training programmes for exporters.
Training programmes and seminars provide an opportunity to get a feel for the potential of overseas markets. There is a range of export training and support available for you to access.
Invest Northern Ireland programmes
Currently, Invest NI delivers the Going Dutch programme which can help you gain access to Holland. This assistance provides businesses with consultancy support, in addition to helping you with tailored market research and market visits.
- Going Dutch - a structured programme to help businesses with little or no experience of trading outside the British Isles to explore new opportunities in Holland.
Invest Northern Ireland seminars
Invest Northern Ireland holds free seminars to help businesses explore export opportunities. These sessions give companies an understanding of how to do business in specific countries. Invest Northern Ireland's overseas trade advisers are available at the seminars to provide advice. View the Invest NI International Trade Calendar.
Business Academy
The Business Academy from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) gives businesses the know-how to sell to customers around the world by learning from experts in international trade.
It is open to any business in the UK who has a product or service that can be sold internationally. It is for businesses who know that they want to reach international customers and contracts in the future, as well as those who might already be selling beyond the UK and want to expand into new markets.
The Business Academy is delivered in various stages depending on your skill level. These include digital skills, running and growing a business and selling overseas.
Find out more about the Business Academy.
Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce
NI Chamber have a suite of tailored programmes of support to help your business grow locally and internationally.
Find out more about NI Chamber training and events.
InterTradeIreland
InterTradeIreland’s First-Time Exporters Accelerator programme is a practical, fully funded programme of support including mentoring and training in export strategy development, export market analysis and business networking opportunities.
The programme is for SMEs who have little or no experience of trading cross-border. Participating businesses will experience a stimulating and fully supported, training and mentoring programme designed to accelerate cross-border sales.
Find out more about the First-Time Exporters Accelerator programme.
InterTradeIreland’s Digital Sales Webinars are designed to provide practical guidance for businesses wishing to develop their digital skills and know-how.
This series of webinars are delivered by leading digital experts and include practical demonstrations of how to implement various digital disciplines utilising best practice.
Find out more about the Digital Sales webinars.
Council export support schemes
Local councils run programmes that provide export support. Current programmes include:
- Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council - International Trade and Development Programme
Financial support for trade and development missions for businesses who want to be equipped with the relevant in-depth knowledge, know-how and confidence to successfully operate in new markets - find out more.
Business finance and support finder
The Business Finance and Support Finder is a searchable database that can help you find publicly-funded sources of assistance including training programmes. Support may be available in a number of forms, including financial assistance and free or subsidised advice services.
HelpAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/export-training-programmes
Links
Financial support for exporting
Learn about the financial support schemes available to exporters.
There are many sources of government funding for businesses in Northern Ireland wanting to trade overseas.
UK Export Finance
UK Export Finance (UKEF) is the UK's export credit agency providing trade finance and insurance to assist UK exporters of all sizes and across all sectors. The government department supports exports of all types, including goods, services and intellectual property.
Its regional network of Export Finance Advisers offers free export finance advice and guidance to UK exporters. This includes access to information on solving the financial challenges involved in selling overseas, including issues such as obtaining credit insurance to protect your business while taking advantage of international sales opportunities. Export Finance Advisers can also advise on UKEF's range of government-backed guarantees and insurance products.
Win contracts: financing
The attractive financing terms UKEF can offer to overseas buyers of UK goods and services can help exporters make their offering more competitive.
- Buyer Credit Facilities
- Local Currency Financing
- Direct Lending
- Early Project Services Guarantee
- Lines of Credit
- Standard Buyer Loan Guarantee
- Bills and Notes Guarantee
Fulfil orders: guarantee schemes
UKEF can help companies access the support they need to fulfil a contract, giving them the confidence to take on more contracts and increase their turnover.
- Bond Support Scheme
- Export Development Guarantee
- Export Working Capital Scheme
- General Export Facility
- Shipbuilding Credit Guarantee Scheme
- Supply Chain Discount Guarantee
To learn more about the UKEF guarantee schemes, email customer.service@ukexportfinance.gov.uk. Alternatively, contact your local export finance manager.
Get paid: insurance
UKEF can help companies manage risks in challenging markets, ensuring that they get paid even where the private market is not able to offer insurance.
The Export Working Capital Scheme helps UK exporters access working capital finance for specific export-related contracts.
UKEF can provide partial guarantees covering up to 80% of the risk to lenders to cover the credit risks associated with export working capital facilities both pre- and post-shipment. Find out more about the Export Working Capital Scheme.
Businesses in Northern Ireland can email UKEF's local Export Finance Manager at elizabeth.mccrory@ukexportfinance.gov.uk.
Invest Northern Ireland
Access to Finance is a package of five funds that help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with high growth potential. The financial support is available through loans and equity, to businesses of different sizes or at different stages of growth or development.
InterTradeIreland
InterTradeIreland offers a range of support to export businesses, for example:
The Acumen programme can assist you to source and fund the right people to help you increase your cross-border export sales, including helping you improve your knowledge of the market and identify new business opportunities.
Business finance and support finder
The Business Finance and Support Finder is a searchable database that can help you find publicly-funded sources of assistance. Support may be available in a number of forms, including financial assistance and free or subsidised advice services.
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In-market support for exporting
Learn more about the in-market support schemes available to exporters.
Once you are established in your business in a chosen market there are numerous support schemes to provide ongoing support.
Trade Advisory Service
The Trade Advisory Service provides businesses with tailored export consultancy from Invest Northern Ireland advisors based in overseas markets. For information on the Trade Advisory Service call the Invest NI Business Support Team helpline on Tel 0800 181 4422.
Department for Business and Trade in-market support
Eligible UK businesses can access trade expertise and knowledge on exporting to specific countries from the Department for Business Trade’s (DBT) global network of international market hubs.
Businesses referred to a regional hub can expect to receive:
- one-to-one advice from an in-market trade adviser who can help businesses consider their next steps
- access to a wide range of sector reports, market intelligence, and guides related to things to consider on exporting to those markets
- introductions to a network of private sector service providers to help businesses with issues on a commercial basis, including local accountants, legal experts, and sector specialists
To be considered for support, businesses should have a:
- turnover of £500,000 or more
- product or service ready to export
Businesses should also have some experience of exporting already and be looking to enter or expand to a new market.
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Research support for exporting
Learn about the available research support for exporters.
It's important to know which markets offer the best fit with your business so that you can effectively target your export activity. Invest Northern Ireland has extensive databases and expertise to help you research export markets. Focused market research will increase your chances of successfully selling into markets outside Northern Ireland.
Invest Northern Ireland Business Information Centre
The Invest NI Business Information Centre is based in Invest NI headquarters in Bedford Street, Belfast. It provides free access to market research, worldwide databases of potential customers or suppliers and directories listing exhibitions, trade journals and newspapers. To access this information, call the Invest NI Business Support Team helpline on Tel 0800 181 4422. See research competitors and markets.
Enterprise Europe Network
The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) offers local support and advice to help businesses make the most of the opportunities in the European Union. The team can provide guidance on European Union funding, business opportunities and legislation. To access the support available through the Enterprise Europe Network, call the Invest NI Business Support Team helpline on Tel 0800 181 4422.
InterTradeIreland Acumen programme
InterTradeIreland's Acumen programme can assist you to source and fund the right people to help you increase your cross-border export sales North or South to help you improve your knowledge of the market and identify new business opportunities.
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Advisory support for exporting
Learn about the advisory support available for exporters.
There are several sources of advice for businesses in Northern Ireland wanting to trade overseas.
Trader Support Service
Changes have been made to the way goods move in and out of Northern Ireland. If you have not already prepared for these changes, you may be unable to move your goods.
The Trader Support Service can help your business adapt to the changes. The service is free to use and:
- offers comprehensive education, training and advice about the changes to the way your goods move under the Windsor Framework
- can complete customs and safety and security declarations on your behalf where these are required for movements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland so you do not have to access HMRC systems directly
Sign up for the Trader Support Service.
UK Export Academy
Business owners and entrepreneurs across Northern Ireland can receive tailored support to boost their exporting skills and sell their goods and services to new markets worldwide.
Export Academy modules, which are delivered online and free of charge, are open to all Northern Ireland businesses regardless of their size or stage of exporting journey, to ensure that as many businesses as possible can learn from experts in international trade and successfully sell around the world.
See the latest UK Export Academy webinars.
Northern Ireland Customs and Trade Academy (NICTA)
The Northern Ireland Customs and Trade Academy (NICTA) is an online learning platform preparing firms for new processes involved in moving goods under the Windsor Framework.
Developed as part of the Trader Support Service (TSS), NICTA provides online training, webinars and ‘how-to’ guides to all those involved in trade between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
Access support from the Northern Ireland Customs & Trade Academy.
Export Support Service (ESS)
The Export Support Service is a UK government helpline and online service that businesses can access to get answers to practical questions about exporting to Europe.
It is a free service available to all UK businesses. You can access the Export Support Service online or call the export support team on Tel 0300 303 8955.
If you’re a UK business trading with Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus or Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories and have questions about the current trading situation, contact the UK government's export support team.
Invest Northern Ireland support
Invest NI offers a range of advisory support to businesses planning to sell outside Northern Ireland:
- Export Health Check - The Invest NI Export Health Check will help you assess your existing exporting capability. By answering a few short questions, you will be provided with a tailored guide that will give you the tools to develop your own bespoke export strategy.
- In-market research - Trade Advisers are based in Brazil, China (Beijing), Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Tokyo, Australia, Dubai, Europe, India, London (construction sector), Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United States of America. Additionally, specialist food advisors are located in France, Germany, Italy and Spain.
- Trade Advisory Services (TAS) GB/ROI - the Trade Advisory Service service provides consultants to work with businesses and assist them in growing their sales in the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain. New exporters can benefit from practical advice in identifying and addressing barriers to export trade while experienced exporters will benefit from increased export sales through current and new export market development and capability development.
- Legal advice - assistance for companies new to exporting or selling into new overseas markets. This support is subject to eligibility criteria.
- Translation services - support for translation services for businesses new to foreign language markets and interpreting services for in-market meetings. This support is subject to eligibility criteria.
Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce
NI Chamber offers technical expertise, training and advice, specific to the needs of companies trading from and with Northern Ireland.
View the range of export training courses.
The Export Documentation service from NI Chamber offers a range of services to help exporters complete the necessary paperwork required when exporting.
NI Chamber can help your business with customs declarations by processing import declarations to the Customs Declarations Service (CDS) for movements from GB to NI. To register for this service you should email: dawn.robertson@northernirelandchamber.com.
NI Chamber can also review your import and export processes to ensure that current processes are compliant and that the correct documentation and appropriate codes accompany export activity. To register for this service you should email: dawn.robertson@northernirelandchamber.com.
InterTradeIreland
InterTradeIreland offers various advisory support schemes to help businesses export.
Funding Advisory Service
InterTradeIreland’s Funding Advisory Service for Established Businesses is aimed at SMEs who are looking for new or alternative sources of funding to finance business growth.
20 companies each year will be allowed to participate in the programme. 14 from the Republic of Ireland six from Northern Ireland. The programme's objective is to improve participants' capacity to raise finance to enable their businesses to grow.
Note applicants to the programme will be required to have a minimum annual turnover of £100,000 (or €uro equivalent), have a trading history of a minimum of 18 months and should have attended a workshop. Applicants to the programme will be required to submit their most recent annual accounts and a business plan.
Trade Export Pathway
InterTradeIreland’s Trade Export Pathway offers free, specialist support to grow your exports across six different steps of the pathway. It’s a quick and simple application process and your business will benefit from bespoke support tailored to your specific needs.
The Trade Export Pathway aims to help businesses graduate from being non-exporters, first-time exporters, inexperienced exporters, and experienced exporters, to become advanced exporters.
Tailored support is available for each of the below steps, allowing you to have a specialist work with you and your business to help establish and grow your exports over time.
- Charting your route: develop your cross-border export plan
- Reaching the customer: develop your cross-border export marketing strategy
- Opening the door: entering your target market
- Selling your product: building sales development skills
- Growing your exports: cross-border lead prospecting and generation
- Measuring your success: cross-border business strategy development
Cross-Border Trade Hub
InterTradeIreland has created a comprehensive business hub, which contains the latest information for businesses engaged in, or planning to engage in, cross-border trade between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The Cross-Border Trade Hub provides information on a variety of topics, including trade in goods and services, focusing on customs, VAT, regulation and cross-border employment.
Access the Cross-Border Trade Hub.
Business finance and support finder
The Business Finance and Support Finder is a searchable database that can help you find publicly-funded sources of assistance. Support may be available in several forms, including financial assistance and free or subsidised advice services.Also on this siteContent category
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Finding opportunities for exporting
How to find opportunities for exporting.
Having knowledge of specific products or services that are in demand outside Northern Ireland, and keeping up-to-date on the latest contract opportunities, can help boost your business performance and profitability. There is support available to help you identify these openings.
Invest Northern Ireland support
- Tenders alert service - businesses can register to receive alerts of competitions for public sector contracts, which have just been advertised and match your area of expertise. The service costs £100 per annum. To sign up for tender notifications, call the Invest NI Boosting Business helpline on Tel 0800 181 4422. See research competitors and markets.
- Tender guides - specific guides have been developed to assist you tender for new opportunities. You can download: The Tender Process (PDF, 646KB), Top tips for successful tendering (PDF, 590KB), Preparation and understanding the market (PDF, 793KB).
- Workshops - there are regular workshops listed on our Events Finder that can assist with business tendering.
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Network support for exporting
Available networking support for exporters.
When you're moving into a new business area, it pays to use the advice of people who already have significant experience. Other people who have been through the same processes can offer invaluable advice. They can also warn you of the potential pitfalls.
Invest Northern Ireland
Invest Northern Ireland provides services and programmes that put inexperienced international traders in touch with experienced traders to learn and share ideas.
Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce
NI Chamber run various high profile networking events, connections and forums to help local businesses connect.
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Help and support for exporting
Finding support for our export business – Titanic Distillers
Siobhán Winston, General Manager at Titanic Distillers, explains the export support that has helped the company grow.
Titanic Distillers is the first Belfast based whiskey distillery in over 90 years. The business is based in the shipyard where the Titanic and many of its sister vessels were built.
This distillery marks a major revival of Belfast's whiskey-making tradition, an industry dormant since the era of prohibition in the 1930s.
Siobhán Winston, General Manager at Titanic Distillers, shares the company's journey into exporting, which countries they currently export to, how those countries were chosen and the support that helped their growth.
Preparing to export
"We currently export to numerous countries including the Republic of Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Germany, France, Ukraine, Denmark, and the Netherlands."
"While researching these markets, I conducted comprehensive case studies for each country to understand the market landscape before engaging with potential distributors. It was essential to research the various market requirements, including regulatory compliance, labelling laws, import duties, and other standard compliance criteria unique to each country. "
"Exporting plays a big role in our company’s growth. It helps us reach new customers, expands our sales beyond the local market, and reduces risk by not relying on just one region. "
"Going international has also pushed us to improve our products and stay competitive, as different markets often have distinct preferences. Overall, this expansion has been key to scaling the business and spotting new opportunities."
Business challenges
"One of the biggest challenges we faced was navigating the different rules and regulations in each country; it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. We managed this by thorough research and relying on local contacts familiar with specific details. Identifying the right distributors was crucial for successfully entering new markets."
"Another challenge was the lengthy time required to establish new export channels. Looking back, we would have set more realistic expectations for this timeline."
"We also encountered barriers when competing for funding or accessing support, as the Irish whiskey market has grown significantly, increasing competition with other new brands looking for guidance and resources."
Events and networking
"Establishing strong networks in target markets is vital. These networks provide insights into local market dynamics, help mitigate risks, and facilitate connections with key stakeholders."
"We have participated in many trade missions and exhibitions including ProWein, an international trade fair for wine and spirits, with Invest NI. We also joined the Going Dutch programmes with Invest NI and recently travelled to Japan with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT)."
Support and guidance
"Securing financial and advisory support has been key to our success. Access to the right financial resources allowed efficient scaling, investment in key areas, and effective cash flow management during growth phases."
“We have had support from Invest NI on their Going Dutch programme, trade stand assistance at ProWein and arranged meetings with potential distributors in new territories."
"Ongoing support from DBT through trade missions to the US, Europe, and Japan has also been invaluable."
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Help and support for exporting
Finding support for our export business - Shnuggle
Sinead Murphy, co-founder of Shnuggle, shares how the business has expanded into international markets with help from business support in Northern Ireland.
Based in Newtownards, County Down, Shnuggle designs innovative baby products to make parenting easier.
The company has grown into a multi-award-winning baby brand, trusted by parents around the world. Today, Shnuggle exports to more than 40 countries, with its largest markets in South Korea, New Zealand and the USA.
Sinead Murphy, co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer, explains how the business began its export journey, the support received along the way, and how it managed challenges to reach new markets.
Preparing to export
“When exploring a new market, we consider a range of factors. We look at cultural differences, popular baby products and the success of other brands in that market. Exhibiting at major industry trade shows has also been important - it allows us to meet potential business-to-business customers from new markets who are often keen to represent our brand.”
“At Shnuggle, product safety and quality are always our top priorities. Each product goes through extensive safety testing, and different markets often have their own additional requirement beyond those in the UK or EU.”
“Some partners prefer to create their own marketing materials, while others use the UK version of our assets. We work closely with them to maintain brand consistency while adapting to local needs.”
“Exporting now represents almost 50% of Shnuggle’s business. When we first launched, we sold to customers in the UK and Ireland. Expanding into global markets has been transformative for our company.”
Business challenges
“International growth has brought challenges, but none that we haven’t been able to overcome. As your products gain popularity, the risk of imitation increases. However, being the original brand owner and designer gives you the options to protect and reduce this risk.”
“Staying informed about economic, social and environmental changes in each market is also important. We’ve experienced occasional disruptions from extreme weather events and elections, so maintaining regular contact with our overseas partners is essential.”
Events and networking
“We’ve exhibited at major trade fairs across Europe, the USA and China, and we also support partners to showcase the brand in their own markets.”
“Our first major trade mission was through Invest NI’s Going Dutch programme, which helped a small group of local brands meet with potential distributors in Amsterdam. That experience led to our launch in the Netherlands, and we then applied the same approach to entering other new markets.”
“Entering a new market can sometimes seem daunting. A strong network in your target market is invaluable. The Invest NI teams in offices around the world have been a great source of support. Their local experts have helped us research baby retail trends within those markets.”
Support and guidance
“Over the years, Shnuggle has benefited from support and guidance from various organisations. Our first Business Bootcamp was provided by our local council, Ards and North Down, where we were matched with a business mentor who helped us the business basics and later joined our board.”
“As an Invest NI client, we received support to attend trade shows, recruit new staff and deliver marketing activity. We also took part in an InterTradeIreland sales development programme, which helped us grow cross-border trade. Through the Springboard programme, and with guidance from a business mentor, we were better prepared to pitch for investment as we continued to grow and scale.”
“Compared to our industry peers in Great Britain, we’ve had excellent opportunities to access support, including funding for travel and international exhibitions - support that has been crucial in helping us compete on the world stage.”
“Access to business funding information has improved greatly since we started Shnuggle. It was once difficult to know what was available, but now it’s much easier to search online and find support based on your business needs.”
“We’ve built a brand that’s recognised worldwide for safety and quality, as well as a workplace where our team can develop their skills and grow with us.”
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Export training programmes
In this guide:
- Help and support for exporting
- Export training programmes
- Financial support for exporting
- In-market support for exporting
- Research support for exporting
- Advisory support for exporting
- Finding opportunities for exporting
- Network support for exporting
- Finding support for our export business – Titanic Distillers
- Finding support for our export business - Shnuggle
Export training programmes
Find out about the available training programmes for exporters.
Training programmes and seminars provide an opportunity to get a feel for the potential of overseas markets. There is a range of export training and support available for you to access.
Invest Northern Ireland programmes
Currently, Invest NI delivers the Going Dutch programme which can help you gain access to Holland. This assistance provides businesses with consultancy support, in addition to helping you with tailored market research and market visits.
- Going Dutch - a structured programme to help businesses with little or no experience of trading outside the British Isles to explore new opportunities in Holland.
Invest Northern Ireland seminars
Invest Northern Ireland holds free seminars to help businesses explore export opportunities. These sessions give companies an understanding of how to do business in specific countries. Invest Northern Ireland's overseas trade advisers are available at the seminars to provide advice. View the Invest NI International Trade Calendar.
Business Academy
The Business Academy from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) gives businesses the know-how to sell to customers around the world by learning from experts in international trade.
It is open to any business in the UK who has a product or service that can be sold internationally. It is for businesses who know that they want to reach international customers and contracts in the future, as well as those who might already be selling beyond the UK and want to expand into new markets.
The Business Academy is delivered in various stages depending on your skill level. These include digital skills, running and growing a business and selling overseas.
Find out more about the Business Academy.
Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce
NI Chamber have a suite of tailored programmes of support to help your business grow locally and internationally.
Find out more about NI Chamber training and events.
InterTradeIreland
InterTradeIreland’s First-Time Exporters Accelerator programme is a practical, fully funded programme of support including mentoring and training in export strategy development, export market analysis and business networking opportunities.
The programme is for SMEs who have little or no experience of trading cross-border. Participating businesses will experience a stimulating and fully supported, training and mentoring programme designed to accelerate cross-border sales.
Find out more about the First-Time Exporters Accelerator programme.
InterTradeIreland’s Digital Sales Webinars are designed to provide practical guidance for businesses wishing to develop their digital skills and know-how.
This series of webinars are delivered by leading digital experts and include practical demonstrations of how to implement various digital disciplines utilising best practice.
Find out more about the Digital Sales webinars.
Council export support schemes
Local councils run programmes that provide export support. Current programmes include:
- Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council - International Trade and Development Programme
Financial support for trade and development missions for businesses who want to be equipped with the relevant in-depth knowledge, know-how and confidence to successfully operate in new markets - find out more.
Business finance and support finder
The Business Finance and Support Finder is a searchable database that can help you find publicly-funded sources of assistance including training programmes. Support may be available in a number of forms, including financial assistance and free or subsidised advice services.
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Financial support for exporting
Learn about the financial support schemes available to exporters.
There are many sources of government funding for businesses in Northern Ireland wanting to trade overseas.
UK Export Finance
UK Export Finance (UKEF) is the UK's export credit agency providing trade finance and insurance to assist UK exporters of all sizes and across all sectors. The government department supports exports of all types, including goods, services and intellectual property.
Its regional network of Export Finance Advisers offers free export finance advice and guidance to UK exporters. This includes access to information on solving the financial challenges involved in selling overseas, including issues such as obtaining credit insurance to protect your business while taking advantage of international sales opportunities. Export Finance Advisers can also advise on UKEF's range of government-backed guarantees and insurance products.
Win contracts: financing
The attractive financing terms UKEF can offer to overseas buyers of UK goods and services can help exporters make their offering more competitive.
- Buyer Credit Facilities
- Local Currency Financing
- Direct Lending
- Early Project Services Guarantee
- Lines of Credit
- Standard Buyer Loan Guarantee
- Bills and Notes Guarantee
Fulfil orders: guarantee schemes
UKEF can help companies access the support they need to fulfil a contract, giving them the confidence to take on more contracts and increase their turnover.
- Bond Support Scheme
- Export Development Guarantee
- Export Working Capital Scheme
- General Export Facility
- Shipbuilding Credit Guarantee Scheme
- Supply Chain Discount Guarantee
To learn more about the UKEF guarantee schemes, email customer.service@ukexportfinance.gov.uk. Alternatively, contact your local export finance manager.
Get paid: insurance
UKEF can help companies manage risks in challenging markets, ensuring that they get paid even where the private market is not able to offer insurance.
The Export Working Capital Scheme helps UK exporters access working capital finance for specific export-related contracts.
UKEF can provide partial guarantees covering up to 80% of the risk to lenders to cover the credit risks associated with export working capital facilities both pre- and post-shipment. Find out more about the Export Working Capital Scheme.
Businesses in Northern Ireland can email UKEF's local Export Finance Manager at elizabeth.mccrory@ukexportfinance.gov.uk.
Invest Northern Ireland
Access to Finance is a package of five funds that help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with high growth potential. The financial support is available through loans and equity, to businesses of different sizes or at different stages of growth or development.
InterTradeIreland
InterTradeIreland offers a range of support to export businesses, for example:
The Acumen programme can assist you to source and fund the right people to help you increase your cross-border export sales, including helping you improve your knowledge of the market and identify new business opportunities.
Business finance and support finder
The Business Finance and Support Finder is a searchable database that can help you find publicly-funded sources of assistance. Support may be available in a number of forms, including financial assistance and free or subsidised advice services.
Also on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/financial-support-exporting
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In-market support for exporting
Learn more about the in-market support schemes available to exporters.
Once you are established in your business in a chosen market there are numerous support schemes to provide ongoing support.
Trade Advisory Service
The Trade Advisory Service provides businesses with tailored export consultancy from Invest Northern Ireland advisors based in overseas markets. For information on the Trade Advisory Service call the Invest NI Business Support Team helpline on Tel 0800 181 4422.
Department for Business and Trade in-market support
Eligible UK businesses can access trade expertise and knowledge on exporting to specific countries from the Department for Business Trade’s (DBT) global network of international market hubs.
Businesses referred to a regional hub can expect to receive:
- one-to-one advice from an in-market trade adviser who can help businesses consider their next steps
- access to a wide range of sector reports, market intelligence, and guides related to things to consider on exporting to those markets
- introductions to a network of private sector service providers to help businesses with issues on a commercial basis, including local accountants, legal experts, and sector specialists
To be considered for support, businesses should have a:
- turnover of £500,000 or more
- product or service ready to export
Businesses should also have some experience of exporting already and be looking to enter or expand to a new market.
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Research support for exporting
Learn about the available research support for exporters.
It's important to know which markets offer the best fit with your business so that you can effectively target your export activity. Invest Northern Ireland has extensive databases and expertise to help you research export markets. Focused market research will increase your chances of successfully selling into markets outside Northern Ireland.
Invest Northern Ireland Business Information Centre
The Invest NI Business Information Centre is based in Invest NI headquarters in Bedford Street, Belfast. It provides free access to market research, worldwide databases of potential customers or suppliers and directories listing exhibitions, trade journals and newspapers. To access this information, call the Invest NI Business Support Team helpline on Tel 0800 181 4422. See research competitors and markets.
Enterprise Europe Network
The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) offers local support and advice to help businesses make the most of the opportunities in the European Union. The team can provide guidance on European Union funding, business opportunities and legislation. To access the support available through the Enterprise Europe Network, call the Invest NI Business Support Team helpline on Tel 0800 181 4422.
InterTradeIreland Acumen programme
InterTradeIreland's Acumen programme can assist you to source and fund the right people to help you increase your cross-border export sales North or South to help you improve your knowledge of the market and identify new business opportunities.
HelpAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/research-support-exporting
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Advisory support for exporting
Learn about the advisory support available for exporters.
There are several sources of advice for businesses in Northern Ireland wanting to trade overseas.
Trader Support Service
Changes have been made to the way goods move in and out of Northern Ireland. If you have not already prepared for these changes, you may be unable to move your goods.
The Trader Support Service can help your business adapt to the changes. The service is free to use and:
- offers comprehensive education, training and advice about the changes to the way your goods move under the Windsor Framework
- can complete customs and safety and security declarations on your behalf where these are required for movements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland so you do not have to access HMRC systems directly
Sign up for the Trader Support Service.
UK Export Academy
Business owners and entrepreneurs across Northern Ireland can receive tailored support to boost their exporting skills and sell their goods and services to new markets worldwide.
Export Academy modules, which are delivered online and free of charge, are open to all Northern Ireland businesses regardless of their size or stage of exporting journey, to ensure that as many businesses as possible can learn from experts in international trade and successfully sell around the world.
See the latest UK Export Academy webinars.
Northern Ireland Customs and Trade Academy (NICTA)
The Northern Ireland Customs and Trade Academy (NICTA) is an online learning platform preparing firms for new processes involved in moving goods under the Windsor Framework.
Developed as part of the Trader Support Service (TSS), NICTA provides online training, webinars and ‘how-to’ guides to all those involved in trade between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
Access support from the Northern Ireland Customs & Trade Academy.
Export Support Service (ESS)
The Export Support Service is a UK government helpline and online service that businesses can access to get answers to practical questions about exporting to Europe.
It is a free service available to all UK businesses. You can access the Export Support Service online or call the export support team on Tel 0300 303 8955.
If you’re a UK business trading with Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus or Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories and have questions about the current trading situation, contact the UK government's export support team.
Invest Northern Ireland support
Invest NI offers a range of advisory support to businesses planning to sell outside Northern Ireland:
- Export Health Check - The Invest NI Export Health Check will help you assess your existing exporting capability. By answering a few short questions, you will be provided with a tailored guide that will give you the tools to develop your own bespoke export strategy.
- In-market research - Trade Advisers are based in Brazil, China (Beijing), Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Tokyo, Australia, Dubai, Europe, India, London (construction sector), Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United States of America. Additionally, specialist food advisors are located in France, Germany, Italy and Spain.
- Trade Advisory Services (TAS) GB/ROI - the Trade Advisory Service service provides consultants to work with businesses and assist them in growing their sales in the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain. New exporters can benefit from practical advice in identifying and addressing barriers to export trade while experienced exporters will benefit from increased export sales through current and new export market development and capability development.
- Legal advice - assistance for companies new to exporting or selling into new overseas markets. This support is subject to eligibility criteria.
- Translation services - support for translation services for businesses new to foreign language markets and interpreting services for in-market meetings. This support is subject to eligibility criteria.
Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce
NI Chamber offers technical expertise, training and advice, specific to the needs of companies trading from and with Northern Ireland.
View the range of export training courses.
The Export Documentation service from NI Chamber offers a range of services to help exporters complete the necessary paperwork required when exporting.
NI Chamber can help your business with customs declarations by processing import declarations to the Customs Declarations Service (CDS) for movements from GB to NI. To register for this service you should email: dawn.robertson@northernirelandchamber.com.
NI Chamber can also review your import and export processes to ensure that current processes are compliant and that the correct documentation and appropriate codes accompany export activity. To register for this service you should email: dawn.robertson@northernirelandchamber.com.
InterTradeIreland
InterTradeIreland offers various advisory support schemes to help businesses export.
Funding Advisory Service
InterTradeIreland’s Funding Advisory Service for Established Businesses is aimed at SMEs who are looking for new or alternative sources of funding to finance business growth.
20 companies each year will be allowed to participate in the programme. 14 from the Republic of Ireland six from Northern Ireland. The programme's objective is to improve participants' capacity to raise finance to enable their businesses to grow.
Note applicants to the programme will be required to have a minimum annual turnover of £100,000 (or €uro equivalent), have a trading history of a minimum of 18 months and should have attended a workshop. Applicants to the programme will be required to submit their most recent annual accounts and a business plan.
Trade Export Pathway
InterTradeIreland’s Trade Export Pathway offers free, specialist support to grow your exports across six different steps of the pathway. It’s a quick and simple application process and your business will benefit from bespoke support tailored to your specific needs.
The Trade Export Pathway aims to help businesses graduate from being non-exporters, first-time exporters, inexperienced exporters, and experienced exporters, to become advanced exporters.
Tailored support is available for each of the below steps, allowing you to have a specialist work with you and your business to help establish and grow your exports over time.
- Charting your route: develop your cross-border export plan
- Reaching the customer: develop your cross-border export marketing strategy
- Opening the door: entering your target market
- Selling your product: building sales development skills
- Growing your exports: cross-border lead prospecting and generation
- Measuring your success: cross-border business strategy development
Cross-Border Trade Hub
InterTradeIreland has created a comprehensive business hub, which contains the latest information for businesses engaged in, or planning to engage in, cross-border trade between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The Cross-Border Trade Hub provides information on a variety of topics, including trade in goods and services, focusing on customs, VAT, regulation and cross-border employment.
Access the Cross-Border Trade Hub.
Business finance and support finder
The Business Finance and Support Finder is a searchable database that can help you find publicly-funded sources of assistance. Support may be available in several forms, including financial assistance and free or subsidised advice services.Also on this siteContent category
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Finding opportunities for exporting
How to find opportunities for exporting.
Having knowledge of specific products or services that are in demand outside Northern Ireland, and keeping up-to-date on the latest contract opportunities, can help boost your business performance and profitability. There is support available to help you identify these openings.
Invest Northern Ireland support
- Tenders alert service - businesses can register to receive alerts of competitions for public sector contracts, which have just been advertised and match your area of expertise. The service costs £100 per annum. To sign up for tender notifications, call the Invest NI Boosting Business helpline on Tel 0800 181 4422. See research competitors and markets.
- Tender guides - specific guides have been developed to assist you tender for new opportunities. You can download: The Tender Process (PDF, 646KB), Top tips for successful tendering (PDF, 590KB), Preparation and understanding the market (PDF, 793KB).
- Workshops - there are regular workshops listed on our Events Finder that can assist with business tendering.
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Network support for exporting
Available networking support for exporters.
When you're moving into a new business area, it pays to use the advice of people who already have significant experience. Other people who have been through the same processes can offer invaluable advice. They can also warn you of the potential pitfalls.
Invest Northern Ireland
Invest Northern Ireland provides services and programmes that put inexperienced international traders in touch with experienced traders to learn and share ideas.
Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce
NI Chamber run various high profile networking events, connections and forums to help local businesses connect.
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Help and support for exporting
Finding support for our export business – Titanic Distillers
Siobhán Winston, General Manager at Titanic Distillers, explains the export support that has helped the company grow.
Titanic Distillers is the first Belfast based whiskey distillery in over 90 years. The business is based in the shipyard where the Titanic and many of its sister vessels were built.
This distillery marks a major revival of Belfast's whiskey-making tradition, an industry dormant since the era of prohibition in the 1930s.
Siobhán Winston, General Manager at Titanic Distillers, shares the company's journey into exporting, which countries they currently export to, how those countries were chosen and the support that helped their growth.
Preparing to export
"We currently export to numerous countries including the Republic of Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Germany, France, Ukraine, Denmark, and the Netherlands."
"While researching these markets, I conducted comprehensive case studies for each country to understand the market landscape before engaging with potential distributors. It was essential to research the various market requirements, including regulatory compliance, labelling laws, import duties, and other standard compliance criteria unique to each country. "
"Exporting plays a big role in our company’s growth. It helps us reach new customers, expands our sales beyond the local market, and reduces risk by not relying on just one region. "
"Going international has also pushed us to improve our products and stay competitive, as different markets often have distinct preferences. Overall, this expansion has been key to scaling the business and spotting new opportunities."
Business challenges
"One of the biggest challenges we faced was navigating the different rules and regulations in each country; it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. We managed this by thorough research and relying on local contacts familiar with specific details. Identifying the right distributors was crucial for successfully entering new markets."
"Another challenge was the lengthy time required to establish new export channels. Looking back, we would have set more realistic expectations for this timeline."
"We also encountered barriers when competing for funding or accessing support, as the Irish whiskey market has grown significantly, increasing competition with other new brands looking for guidance and resources."
Events and networking
"Establishing strong networks in target markets is vital. These networks provide insights into local market dynamics, help mitigate risks, and facilitate connections with key stakeholders."
"We have participated in many trade missions and exhibitions including ProWein, an international trade fair for wine and spirits, with Invest NI. We also joined the Going Dutch programmes with Invest NI and recently travelled to Japan with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT)."
Support and guidance
"Securing financial and advisory support has been key to our success. Access to the right financial resources allowed efficient scaling, investment in key areas, and effective cash flow management during growth phases."
“We have had support from Invest NI on their Going Dutch programme, trade stand assistance at ProWein and arranged meetings with potential distributors in new territories."
"Ongoing support from DBT through trade missions to the US, Europe, and Japan has also been invaluable."
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Help and support for exporting
Finding support for our export business - Shnuggle
Sinead Murphy, co-founder of Shnuggle, shares how the business has expanded into international markets with help from business support in Northern Ireland.
Based in Newtownards, County Down, Shnuggle designs innovative baby products to make parenting easier.
The company has grown into a multi-award-winning baby brand, trusted by parents around the world. Today, Shnuggle exports to more than 40 countries, with its largest markets in South Korea, New Zealand and the USA.
Sinead Murphy, co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer, explains how the business began its export journey, the support received along the way, and how it managed challenges to reach new markets.
Preparing to export
“When exploring a new market, we consider a range of factors. We look at cultural differences, popular baby products and the success of other brands in that market. Exhibiting at major industry trade shows has also been important - it allows us to meet potential business-to-business customers from new markets who are often keen to represent our brand.”
“At Shnuggle, product safety and quality are always our top priorities. Each product goes through extensive safety testing, and different markets often have their own additional requirement beyond those in the UK or EU.”
“Some partners prefer to create their own marketing materials, while others use the UK version of our assets. We work closely with them to maintain brand consistency while adapting to local needs.”
“Exporting now represents almost 50% of Shnuggle’s business. When we first launched, we sold to customers in the UK and Ireland. Expanding into global markets has been transformative for our company.”
Business challenges
“International growth has brought challenges, but none that we haven’t been able to overcome. As your products gain popularity, the risk of imitation increases. However, being the original brand owner and designer gives you the options to protect and reduce this risk.”
“Staying informed about economic, social and environmental changes in each market is also important. We’ve experienced occasional disruptions from extreme weather events and elections, so maintaining regular contact with our overseas partners is essential.”
Events and networking
“We’ve exhibited at major trade fairs across Europe, the USA and China, and we also support partners to showcase the brand in their own markets.”
“Our first major trade mission was through Invest NI’s Going Dutch programme, which helped a small group of local brands meet with potential distributors in Amsterdam. That experience led to our launch in the Netherlands, and we then applied the same approach to entering other new markets.”
“Entering a new market can sometimes seem daunting. A strong network in your target market is invaluable. The Invest NI teams in offices around the world have been a great source of support. Their local experts have helped us research baby retail trends within those markets.”
Support and guidance
“Over the years, Shnuggle has benefited from support and guidance from various organisations. Our first Business Bootcamp was provided by our local council, Ards and North Down, where we were matched with a business mentor who helped us the business basics and later joined our board.”
“As an Invest NI client, we received support to attend trade shows, recruit new staff and deliver marketing activity. We also took part in an InterTradeIreland sales development programme, which helped us grow cross-border trade. Through the Springboard programme, and with guidance from a business mentor, we were better prepared to pitch for investment as we continued to grow and scale.”
“Compared to our industry peers in Great Britain, we’ve had excellent opportunities to access support, including funding for travel and international exhibitions - support that has been crucial in helping us compete on the world stage.”
“Access to business funding information has improved greatly since we started Shnuggle. It was once difficult to know what was available, but now it’s much easier to search online and find support based on your business needs.”
“We’ve built a brand that’s recognised worldwide for safety and quality, as well as a workplace where our team can develop their skills and grow with us.”
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In-market support for exporting
In this guide:
- Help and support for exporting
- Export training programmes
- Financial support for exporting
- In-market support for exporting
- Research support for exporting
- Advisory support for exporting
- Finding opportunities for exporting
- Network support for exporting
- Finding support for our export business – Titanic Distillers
- Finding support for our export business - Shnuggle
Export training programmes
Find out about the available training programmes for exporters.
Training programmes and seminars provide an opportunity to get a feel for the potential of overseas markets. There is a range of export training and support available for you to access.
Invest Northern Ireland programmes
Currently, Invest NI delivers the Going Dutch programme which can help you gain access to Holland. This assistance provides businesses with consultancy support, in addition to helping you with tailored market research and market visits.
- Going Dutch - a structured programme to help businesses with little or no experience of trading outside the British Isles to explore new opportunities in Holland.
Invest Northern Ireland seminars
Invest Northern Ireland holds free seminars to help businesses explore export opportunities. These sessions give companies an understanding of how to do business in specific countries. Invest Northern Ireland's overseas trade advisers are available at the seminars to provide advice. View the Invest NI International Trade Calendar.
Business Academy
The Business Academy from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) gives businesses the know-how to sell to customers around the world by learning from experts in international trade.
It is open to any business in the UK who has a product or service that can be sold internationally. It is for businesses who know that they want to reach international customers and contracts in the future, as well as those who might already be selling beyond the UK and want to expand into new markets.
The Business Academy is delivered in various stages depending on your skill level. These include digital skills, running and growing a business and selling overseas.
Find out more about the Business Academy.
Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce
NI Chamber have a suite of tailored programmes of support to help your business grow locally and internationally.
Find out more about NI Chamber training and events.
InterTradeIreland
InterTradeIreland’s First-Time Exporters Accelerator programme is a practical, fully funded programme of support including mentoring and training in export strategy development, export market analysis and business networking opportunities.
The programme is for SMEs who have little or no experience of trading cross-border. Participating businesses will experience a stimulating and fully supported, training and mentoring programme designed to accelerate cross-border sales.
Find out more about the First-Time Exporters Accelerator programme.
InterTradeIreland’s Digital Sales Webinars are designed to provide practical guidance for businesses wishing to develop their digital skills and know-how.
This series of webinars are delivered by leading digital experts and include practical demonstrations of how to implement various digital disciplines utilising best practice.
Find out more about the Digital Sales webinars.
Council export support schemes
Local councils run programmes that provide export support. Current programmes include:
- Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council - International Trade and Development Programme
Financial support for trade and development missions for businesses who want to be equipped with the relevant in-depth knowledge, know-how and confidence to successfully operate in new markets - find out more.
Business finance and support finder
The Business Finance and Support Finder is a searchable database that can help you find publicly-funded sources of assistance including training programmes. Support may be available in a number of forms, including financial assistance and free or subsidised advice services.
HelpAlso on this siteContent category
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/content/export-training-programmes
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Financial support for exporting
Learn about the financial support schemes available to exporters.
There are many sources of government funding for businesses in Northern Ireland wanting to trade overseas.
UK Export Finance
UK Export Finance (UKEF) is the UK's export credit agency providing trade finance and insurance to assist UK exporters of all sizes and across all sectors. The government department supports exports of all types, including goods, services and intellectual property.
Its regional network of Export Finance Advisers offers free export finance advice and guidance to UK exporters. This includes access to information on solving the financial challenges involved in selling overseas, including issues such as obtaining credit insurance to protect your business while taking advantage of international sales opportunities. Export Finance Advisers can also advise on UKEF's range of government-backed guarantees and insurance products.
Win contracts: financing
The attractive financing terms UKEF can offer to overseas buyers of UK goods and services can help exporters make their offering more competitive.
- Buyer Credit Facilities
- Local Currency Financing
- Direct Lending
- Early Project Services Guarantee
- Lines of Credit
- Standard Buyer Loan Guarantee
- Bills and Notes Guarantee
Fulfil orders: guarantee schemes
UKEF can help companies access the support they need to fulfil a contract, giving them the confidence to take on more contracts and increase their turnover.
- Bond Support Scheme
- Export Development Guarantee
- Export Working Capital Scheme
- General Export Facility
- Shipbuilding Credit Guarantee Scheme
- Supply Chain Discount Guarantee
To learn more about the UKEF guarantee schemes, email customer.service@ukexportfinance.gov.uk. Alternatively, contact your local export finance manager.
Get paid: insurance
UKEF can help companies manage risks in challenging markets, ensuring that they get paid even where the private market is not able to offer insurance.
The Export Working Capital Scheme helps UK exporters access working capital finance for specific export-related contracts.
UKEF can provide partial guarantees covering up to 80% of the risk to lenders to cover the credit risks associated with export working capital facilities both pre- and post-shipment. Find out more about the Export Working Capital Scheme.
Businesses in Northern Ireland can email UKEF's local Export Finance Manager at elizabeth.mccrory@ukexportfinance.gov.uk.
Invest Northern Ireland
Access to Finance is a package of five funds that help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with high growth potential. The financial support is available through loans and equity, to businesses of different sizes or at different stages of growth or development.
InterTradeIreland
InterTradeIreland offers a range of support to export businesses, for example:
The Acumen programme can assist you to source and fund the right people to help you increase your cross-border export sales, including helping you improve your knowledge of the market and identify new business opportunities.
Business finance and support finder
The Business Finance and Support Finder is a searchable database that can help you find publicly-funded sources of assistance. Support may be available in a number of forms, including financial assistance and free or subsidised advice services.
Also on this siteContent category
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In-market support for exporting
Learn more about the in-market support schemes available to exporters.
Once you are established in your business in a chosen market there are numerous support schemes to provide ongoing support.
Trade Advisory Service
The Trade Advisory Service provides businesses with tailored export consultancy from Invest Northern Ireland advisors based in overseas markets. For information on the Trade Advisory Service call the Invest NI Business Support Team helpline on Tel 0800 181 4422.
Department for Business and Trade in-market support
Eligible UK businesses can access trade expertise and knowledge on exporting to specific countries from the Department for Business Trade’s (DBT) global network of international market hubs.
Businesses referred to a regional hub can expect to receive:
- one-to-one advice from an in-market trade adviser who can help businesses consider their next steps
- access to a wide range of sector reports, market intelligence, and guides related to things to consider on exporting to those markets
- introductions to a network of private sector service providers to help businesses with issues on a commercial basis, including local accountants, legal experts, and sector specialists
To be considered for support, businesses should have a:
- turnover of £500,000 or more
- product or service ready to export
Businesses should also have some experience of exporting already and be looking to enter or expand to a new market.
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Research support for exporting
Learn about the available research support for exporters.
It's important to know which markets offer the best fit with your business so that you can effectively target your export activity. Invest Northern Ireland has extensive databases and expertise to help you research export markets. Focused market research will increase your chances of successfully selling into markets outside Northern Ireland.
Invest Northern Ireland Business Information Centre
The Invest NI Business Information Centre is based in Invest NI headquarters in Bedford Street, Belfast. It provides free access to market research, worldwide databases of potential customers or suppliers and directories listing exhibitions, trade journals and newspapers. To access this information, call the Invest NI Business Support Team helpline on Tel 0800 181 4422. See research competitors and markets.
Enterprise Europe Network
The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) offers local support and advice to help businesses make the most of the opportunities in the European Union. The team can provide guidance on European Union funding, business opportunities and legislation. To access the support available through the Enterprise Europe Network, call the Invest NI Business Support Team helpline on Tel 0800 181 4422.
InterTradeIreland Acumen programme
InterTradeIreland's Acumen programme can assist you to source and fund the right people to help you increase your cross-border export sales North or South to help you improve your knowledge of the market and identify new business opportunities.
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Advisory support for exporting
Learn about the advisory support available for exporters.
There are several sources of advice for businesses in Northern Ireland wanting to trade overseas.
Trader Support Service
Changes have been made to the way goods move in and out of Northern Ireland. If you have not already prepared for these changes, you may be unable to move your goods.
The Trader Support Service can help your business adapt to the changes. The service is free to use and:
- offers comprehensive education, training and advice about the changes to the way your goods move under the Windsor Framework
- can complete customs and safety and security declarations on your behalf where these are required for movements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland so you do not have to access HMRC systems directly
Sign up for the Trader Support Service.
UK Export Academy
Business owners and entrepreneurs across Northern Ireland can receive tailored support to boost their exporting skills and sell their goods and services to new markets worldwide.
Export Academy modules, which are delivered online and free of charge, are open to all Northern Ireland businesses regardless of their size or stage of exporting journey, to ensure that as many businesses as possible can learn from experts in international trade and successfully sell around the world.
See the latest UK Export Academy webinars.
Northern Ireland Customs and Trade Academy (NICTA)
The Northern Ireland Customs and Trade Academy (NICTA) is an online learning platform preparing firms for new processes involved in moving goods under the Windsor Framework.
Developed as part of the Trader Support Service (TSS), NICTA provides online training, webinars and ‘how-to’ guides to all those involved in trade between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
Access support from the Northern Ireland Customs & Trade Academy.
Export Support Service (ESS)
The Export Support Service is a UK government helpline and online service that businesses can access to get answers to practical questions about exporting to Europe.
It is a free service available to all UK businesses. You can access the Export Support Service online or call the export support team on Tel 0300 303 8955.
If you’re a UK business trading with Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus or Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories and have questions about the current trading situation, contact the UK government's export support team.
Invest Northern Ireland support
Invest NI offers a range of advisory support to businesses planning to sell outside Northern Ireland:
- Export Health Check - The Invest NI Export Health Check will help you assess your existing exporting capability. By answering a few short questions, you will be provided with a tailored guide that will give you the tools to develop your own bespoke export strategy.
- In-market research - Trade Advisers are based in Brazil, China (Beijing), Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Tokyo, Australia, Dubai, Europe, India, London (construction sector), Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United States of America. Additionally, specialist food advisors are located in France, Germany, Italy and Spain.
- Trade Advisory Services (TAS) GB/ROI - the Trade Advisory Service service provides consultants to work with businesses and assist them in growing their sales in the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain. New exporters can benefit from practical advice in identifying and addressing barriers to export trade while experienced exporters will benefit from increased export sales through current and new export market development and capability development.
- Legal advice - assistance for companies new to exporting or selling into new overseas markets. This support is subject to eligibility criteria.
- Translation services - support for translation services for businesses new to foreign language markets and interpreting services for in-market meetings. This support is subject to eligibility criteria.
Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce
NI Chamber offers technical expertise, training and advice, specific to the needs of companies trading from and with Northern Ireland.
View the range of export training courses.
The Export Documentation service from NI Chamber offers a range of services to help exporters complete the necessary paperwork required when exporting.
NI Chamber can help your business with customs declarations by processing import declarations to the Customs Declarations Service (CDS) for movements from GB to NI. To register for this service you should email: dawn.robertson@northernirelandchamber.com.
NI Chamber can also review your import and export processes to ensure that current processes are compliant and that the correct documentation and appropriate codes accompany export activity. To register for this service you should email: dawn.robertson@northernirelandchamber.com.
InterTradeIreland
InterTradeIreland offers various advisory support schemes to help businesses export.
Funding Advisory Service
InterTradeIreland’s Funding Advisory Service for Established Businesses is aimed at SMEs who are looking for new or alternative sources of funding to finance business growth.
20 companies each year will be allowed to participate in the programme. 14 from the Republic of Ireland six from Northern Ireland. The programme's objective is to improve participants' capacity to raise finance to enable their businesses to grow.
Note applicants to the programme will be required to have a minimum annual turnover of £100,000 (or €uro equivalent), have a trading history of a minimum of 18 months and should have attended a workshop. Applicants to the programme will be required to submit their most recent annual accounts and a business plan.
Trade Export Pathway
InterTradeIreland’s Trade Export Pathway offers free, specialist support to grow your exports across six different steps of the pathway. It’s a quick and simple application process and your business will benefit from bespoke support tailored to your specific needs.
The Trade Export Pathway aims to help businesses graduate from being non-exporters, first-time exporters, inexperienced exporters, and experienced exporters, to become advanced exporters.
Tailored support is available for each of the below steps, allowing you to have a specialist work with you and your business to help establish and grow your exports over time.
- Charting your route: develop your cross-border export plan
- Reaching the customer: develop your cross-border export marketing strategy
- Opening the door: entering your target market
- Selling your product: building sales development skills
- Growing your exports: cross-border lead prospecting and generation
- Measuring your success: cross-border business strategy development
Cross-Border Trade Hub
InterTradeIreland has created a comprehensive business hub, which contains the latest information for businesses engaged in, or planning to engage in, cross-border trade between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The Cross-Border Trade Hub provides information on a variety of topics, including trade in goods and services, focusing on customs, VAT, regulation and cross-border employment.
Access the Cross-Border Trade Hub.
Business finance and support finder
The Business Finance and Support Finder is a searchable database that can help you find publicly-funded sources of assistance. Support may be available in several forms, including financial assistance and free or subsidised advice services.Also on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/advisory-support-exporting
Links
Finding opportunities for exporting
How to find opportunities for exporting.
Having knowledge of specific products or services that are in demand outside Northern Ireland, and keeping up-to-date on the latest contract opportunities, can help boost your business performance and profitability. There is support available to help you identify these openings.
Invest Northern Ireland support
- Tenders alert service - businesses can register to receive alerts of competitions for public sector contracts, which have just been advertised and match your area of expertise. The service costs £100 per annum. To sign up for tender notifications, call the Invest NI Boosting Business helpline on Tel 0800 181 4422. See research competitors and markets.
- Tender guides - specific guides have been developed to assist you tender for new opportunities. You can download: The Tender Process (PDF, 646KB), Top tips for successful tendering (PDF, 590KB), Preparation and understanding the market (PDF, 793KB).
- Workshops - there are regular workshops listed on our Events Finder that can assist with business tendering.
ActionsAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/finding-opportunities-exporting
Links
Network support for exporting
Available networking support for exporters.
When you're moving into a new business area, it pays to use the advice of people who already have significant experience. Other people who have been through the same processes can offer invaluable advice. They can also warn you of the potential pitfalls.
Invest Northern Ireland
Invest Northern Ireland provides services and programmes that put inexperienced international traders in touch with experienced traders to learn and share ideas.
Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce
NI Chamber run various high profile networking events, connections and forums to help local businesses connect.
HelpActionsAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/network-support-exporting
Links
Help and support for exporting
Finding support for our export business – Titanic Distillers
Siobhán Winston, General Manager at Titanic Distillers, explains the export support that has helped the company grow.
Titanic Distillers is the first Belfast based whiskey distillery in over 90 years. The business is based in the shipyard where the Titanic and many of its sister vessels were built.
This distillery marks a major revival of Belfast's whiskey-making tradition, an industry dormant since the era of prohibition in the 1930s.
Siobhán Winston, General Manager at Titanic Distillers, shares the company's journey into exporting, which countries they currently export to, how those countries were chosen and the support that helped their growth.
Preparing to export
"We currently export to numerous countries including the Republic of Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Germany, France, Ukraine, Denmark, and the Netherlands."
"While researching these markets, I conducted comprehensive case studies for each country to understand the market landscape before engaging with potential distributors. It was essential to research the various market requirements, including regulatory compliance, labelling laws, import duties, and other standard compliance criteria unique to each country. "
"Exporting plays a big role in our company’s growth. It helps us reach new customers, expands our sales beyond the local market, and reduces risk by not relying on just one region. "
"Going international has also pushed us to improve our products and stay competitive, as different markets often have distinct preferences. Overall, this expansion has been key to scaling the business and spotting new opportunities."
Business challenges
"One of the biggest challenges we faced was navigating the different rules and regulations in each country; it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. We managed this by thorough research and relying on local contacts familiar with specific details. Identifying the right distributors was crucial for successfully entering new markets."
"Another challenge was the lengthy time required to establish new export channels. Looking back, we would have set more realistic expectations for this timeline."
"We also encountered barriers when competing for funding or accessing support, as the Irish whiskey market has grown significantly, increasing competition with other new brands looking for guidance and resources."
Events and networking
"Establishing strong networks in target markets is vital. These networks provide insights into local market dynamics, help mitigate risks, and facilitate connections with key stakeholders."
"We have participated in many trade missions and exhibitions including ProWein, an international trade fair for wine and spirits, with Invest NI. We also joined the Going Dutch programmes with Invest NI and recently travelled to Japan with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT)."
Support and guidance
"Securing financial and advisory support has been key to our success. Access to the right financial resources allowed efficient scaling, investment in key areas, and effective cash flow management during growth phases."
“We have had support from Invest NI on their Going Dutch programme, trade stand assistance at ProWein and arranged meetings with potential distributors in new territories."
"Ongoing support from DBT through trade missions to the US, Europe, and Japan has also been invaluable."
Case StudySiobhán WinstonContent category
Source URL
/content/finding-support-our-export-business-titanic-distillers
Links
Help and support for exporting
Finding support for our export business - Shnuggle
Sinead Murphy, co-founder of Shnuggle, shares how the business has expanded into international markets with help from business support in Northern Ireland.
Based in Newtownards, County Down, Shnuggle designs innovative baby products to make parenting easier.
The company has grown into a multi-award-winning baby brand, trusted by parents around the world. Today, Shnuggle exports to more than 40 countries, with its largest markets in South Korea, New Zealand and the USA.
Sinead Murphy, co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer, explains how the business began its export journey, the support received along the way, and how it managed challenges to reach new markets.
Preparing to export
“When exploring a new market, we consider a range of factors. We look at cultural differences, popular baby products and the success of other brands in that market. Exhibiting at major industry trade shows has also been important - it allows us to meet potential business-to-business customers from new markets who are often keen to represent our brand.”
“At Shnuggle, product safety and quality are always our top priorities. Each product goes through extensive safety testing, and different markets often have their own additional requirement beyond those in the UK or EU.”
“Some partners prefer to create their own marketing materials, while others use the UK version of our assets. We work closely with them to maintain brand consistency while adapting to local needs.”
“Exporting now represents almost 50% of Shnuggle’s business. When we first launched, we sold to customers in the UK and Ireland. Expanding into global markets has been transformative for our company.”
Business challenges
“International growth has brought challenges, but none that we haven’t been able to overcome. As your products gain popularity, the risk of imitation increases. However, being the original brand owner and designer gives you the options to protect and reduce this risk.”
“Staying informed about economic, social and environmental changes in each market is also important. We’ve experienced occasional disruptions from extreme weather events and elections, so maintaining regular contact with our overseas partners is essential.”
Events and networking
“We’ve exhibited at major trade fairs across Europe, the USA and China, and we also support partners to showcase the brand in their own markets.”
“Our first major trade mission was through Invest NI’s Going Dutch programme, which helped a small group of local brands meet with potential distributors in Amsterdam. That experience led to our launch in the Netherlands, and we then applied the same approach to entering other new markets.”
“Entering a new market can sometimes seem daunting. A strong network in your target market is invaluable. The Invest NI teams in offices around the world have been a great source of support. Their local experts have helped us research baby retail trends within those markets.”
Support and guidance
“Over the years, Shnuggle has benefited from support and guidance from various organisations. Our first Business Bootcamp was provided by our local council, Ards and North Down, where we were matched with a business mentor who helped us the business basics and later joined our board.”
“As an Invest NI client, we received support to attend trade shows, recruit new staff and deliver marketing activity. We also took part in an InterTradeIreland sales development programme, which helped us grow cross-border trade. Through the Springboard programme, and with guidance from a business mentor, we were better prepared to pitch for investment as we continued to grow and scale.”
“Compared to our industry peers in Great Britain, we’ve had excellent opportunities to access support, including funding for travel and international exhibitions - support that has been crucial in helping us compete on the world stage.”
“Access to business funding information has improved greatly since we started Shnuggle. It was once difficult to know what was available, but now it’s much easier to search online and find support based on your business needs.”
“We’ve built a brand that’s recognised worldwide for safety and quality, as well as a workplace where our team can develop their skills and grow with us.”
Case StudySinead MurphyContent category
Source URL
/content/finding-support-our-export-business-shnuggle
Links
Research support for exporting
In this guide:
- Help and support for exporting
- Export training programmes
- Financial support for exporting
- In-market support for exporting
- Research support for exporting
- Advisory support for exporting
- Finding opportunities for exporting
- Network support for exporting
- Finding support for our export business – Titanic Distillers
- Finding support for our export business - Shnuggle
Export training programmes
Find out about the available training programmes for exporters.
Training programmes and seminars provide an opportunity to get a feel for the potential of overseas markets. There is a range of export training and support available for you to access.
Invest Northern Ireland programmes
Currently, Invest NI delivers the Going Dutch programme which can help you gain access to Holland. This assistance provides businesses with consultancy support, in addition to helping you with tailored market research and market visits.
- Going Dutch - a structured programme to help businesses with little or no experience of trading outside the British Isles to explore new opportunities in Holland.
Invest Northern Ireland seminars
Invest Northern Ireland holds free seminars to help businesses explore export opportunities. These sessions give companies an understanding of how to do business in specific countries. Invest Northern Ireland's overseas trade advisers are available at the seminars to provide advice. View the Invest NI International Trade Calendar.
Business Academy
The Business Academy from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) gives businesses the know-how to sell to customers around the world by learning from experts in international trade.
It is open to any business in the UK who has a product or service that can be sold internationally. It is for businesses who know that they want to reach international customers and contracts in the future, as well as those who might already be selling beyond the UK and want to expand into new markets.
The Business Academy is delivered in various stages depending on your skill level. These include digital skills, running and growing a business and selling overseas.
Find out more about the Business Academy.
Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce
NI Chamber have a suite of tailored programmes of support to help your business grow locally and internationally.
Find out more about NI Chamber training and events.
InterTradeIreland
InterTradeIreland’s First-Time Exporters Accelerator programme is a practical, fully funded programme of support including mentoring and training in export strategy development, export market analysis and business networking opportunities.
The programme is for SMEs who have little or no experience of trading cross-border. Participating businesses will experience a stimulating and fully supported, training and mentoring programme designed to accelerate cross-border sales.
Find out more about the First-Time Exporters Accelerator programme.
InterTradeIreland’s Digital Sales Webinars are designed to provide practical guidance for businesses wishing to develop their digital skills and know-how.
This series of webinars are delivered by leading digital experts and include practical demonstrations of how to implement various digital disciplines utilising best practice.
Find out more about the Digital Sales webinars.
Council export support schemes
Local councils run programmes that provide export support. Current programmes include:
- Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council - International Trade and Development Programme
Financial support for trade and development missions for businesses who want to be equipped with the relevant in-depth knowledge, know-how and confidence to successfully operate in new markets - find out more.
Business finance and support finder
The Business Finance and Support Finder is a searchable database that can help you find publicly-funded sources of assistance including training programmes. Support may be available in a number of forms, including financial assistance and free or subsidised advice services.
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Financial support for exporting
Learn about the financial support schemes available to exporters.
There are many sources of government funding for businesses in Northern Ireland wanting to trade overseas.
UK Export Finance
UK Export Finance (UKEF) is the UK's export credit agency providing trade finance and insurance to assist UK exporters of all sizes and across all sectors. The government department supports exports of all types, including goods, services and intellectual property.
Its regional network of Export Finance Advisers offers free export finance advice and guidance to UK exporters. This includes access to information on solving the financial challenges involved in selling overseas, including issues such as obtaining credit insurance to protect your business while taking advantage of international sales opportunities. Export Finance Advisers can also advise on UKEF's range of government-backed guarantees and insurance products.
Win contracts: financing
The attractive financing terms UKEF can offer to overseas buyers of UK goods and services can help exporters make their offering more competitive.
- Buyer Credit Facilities
- Local Currency Financing
- Direct Lending
- Early Project Services Guarantee
- Lines of Credit
- Standard Buyer Loan Guarantee
- Bills and Notes Guarantee
Fulfil orders: guarantee schemes
UKEF can help companies access the support they need to fulfil a contract, giving them the confidence to take on more contracts and increase their turnover.
- Bond Support Scheme
- Export Development Guarantee
- Export Working Capital Scheme
- General Export Facility
- Shipbuilding Credit Guarantee Scheme
- Supply Chain Discount Guarantee
To learn more about the UKEF guarantee schemes, email customer.service@ukexportfinance.gov.uk. Alternatively, contact your local export finance manager.
Get paid: insurance
UKEF can help companies manage risks in challenging markets, ensuring that they get paid even where the private market is not able to offer insurance.
The Export Working Capital Scheme helps UK exporters access working capital finance for specific export-related contracts.
UKEF can provide partial guarantees covering up to 80% of the risk to lenders to cover the credit risks associated with export working capital facilities both pre- and post-shipment. Find out more about the Export Working Capital Scheme.
Businesses in Northern Ireland can email UKEF's local Export Finance Manager at elizabeth.mccrory@ukexportfinance.gov.uk.
Invest Northern Ireland
Access to Finance is a package of five funds that help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with high growth potential. The financial support is available through loans and equity, to businesses of different sizes or at different stages of growth or development.
InterTradeIreland
InterTradeIreland offers a range of support to export businesses, for example:
The Acumen programme can assist you to source and fund the right people to help you increase your cross-border export sales, including helping you improve your knowledge of the market and identify new business opportunities.
Business finance and support finder
The Business Finance and Support Finder is a searchable database that can help you find publicly-funded sources of assistance. Support may be available in a number of forms, including financial assistance and free or subsidised advice services.
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In-market support for exporting
Learn more about the in-market support schemes available to exporters.
Once you are established in your business in a chosen market there are numerous support schemes to provide ongoing support.
Trade Advisory Service
The Trade Advisory Service provides businesses with tailored export consultancy from Invest Northern Ireland advisors based in overseas markets. For information on the Trade Advisory Service call the Invest NI Business Support Team helpline on Tel 0800 181 4422.
Department for Business and Trade in-market support
Eligible UK businesses can access trade expertise and knowledge on exporting to specific countries from the Department for Business Trade’s (DBT) global network of international market hubs.
Businesses referred to a regional hub can expect to receive:
- one-to-one advice from an in-market trade adviser who can help businesses consider their next steps
- access to a wide range of sector reports, market intelligence, and guides related to things to consider on exporting to those markets
- introductions to a network of private sector service providers to help businesses with issues on a commercial basis, including local accountants, legal experts, and sector specialists
To be considered for support, businesses should have a:
- turnover of £500,000 or more
- product or service ready to export
Businesses should also have some experience of exporting already and be looking to enter or expand to a new market.
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Research support for exporting
Learn about the available research support for exporters.
It's important to know which markets offer the best fit with your business so that you can effectively target your export activity. Invest Northern Ireland has extensive databases and expertise to help you research export markets. Focused market research will increase your chances of successfully selling into markets outside Northern Ireland.
Invest Northern Ireland Business Information Centre
The Invest NI Business Information Centre is based in Invest NI headquarters in Bedford Street, Belfast. It provides free access to market research, worldwide databases of potential customers or suppliers and directories listing exhibitions, trade journals and newspapers. To access this information, call the Invest NI Business Support Team helpline on Tel 0800 181 4422. See research competitors and markets.
Enterprise Europe Network
The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) offers local support and advice to help businesses make the most of the opportunities in the European Union. The team can provide guidance on European Union funding, business opportunities and legislation. To access the support available through the Enterprise Europe Network, call the Invest NI Business Support Team helpline on Tel 0800 181 4422.
InterTradeIreland Acumen programme
InterTradeIreland's Acumen programme can assist you to source and fund the right people to help you increase your cross-border export sales North or South to help you improve your knowledge of the market and identify new business opportunities.
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Advisory support for exporting
Learn about the advisory support available for exporters.
There are several sources of advice for businesses in Northern Ireland wanting to trade overseas.
Trader Support Service
Changes have been made to the way goods move in and out of Northern Ireland. If you have not already prepared for these changes, you may be unable to move your goods.
The Trader Support Service can help your business adapt to the changes. The service is free to use and:
- offers comprehensive education, training and advice about the changes to the way your goods move under the Windsor Framework
- can complete customs and safety and security declarations on your behalf where these are required for movements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland so you do not have to access HMRC systems directly
Sign up for the Trader Support Service.
UK Export Academy
Business owners and entrepreneurs across Northern Ireland can receive tailored support to boost their exporting skills and sell their goods and services to new markets worldwide.
Export Academy modules, which are delivered online and free of charge, are open to all Northern Ireland businesses regardless of their size or stage of exporting journey, to ensure that as many businesses as possible can learn from experts in international trade and successfully sell around the world.
See the latest UK Export Academy webinars.
Northern Ireland Customs and Trade Academy (NICTA)
The Northern Ireland Customs and Trade Academy (NICTA) is an online learning platform preparing firms for new processes involved in moving goods under the Windsor Framework.
Developed as part of the Trader Support Service (TSS), NICTA provides online training, webinars and ‘how-to’ guides to all those involved in trade between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
Access support from the Northern Ireland Customs & Trade Academy.
Export Support Service (ESS)
The Export Support Service is a UK government helpline and online service that businesses can access to get answers to practical questions about exporting to Europe.
It is a free service available to all UK businesses. You can access the Export Support Service online or call the export support team on Tel 0300 303 8955.
If you’re a UK business trading with Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus or Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories and have questions about the current trading situation, contact the UK government's export support team.
Invest Northern Ireland support
Invest NI offers a range of advisory support to businesses planning to sell outside Northern Ireland:
- Export Health Check - The Invest NI Export Health Check will help you assess your existing exporting capability. By answering a few short questions, you will be provided with a tailored guide that will give you the tools to develop your own bespoke export strategy.
- In-market research - Trade Advisers are based in Brazil, China (Beijing), Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Tokyo, Australia, Dubai, Europe, India, London (construction sector), Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United States of America. Additionally, specialist food advisors are located in France, Germany, Italy and Spain.
- Trade Advisory Services (TAS) GB/ROI - the Trade Advisory Service service provides consultants to work with businesses and assist them in growing their sales in the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain. New exporters can benefit from practical advice in identifying and addressing barriers to export trade while experienced exporters will benefit from increased export sales through current and new export market development and capability development.
- Legal advice - assistance for companies new to exporting or selling into new overseas markets. This support is subject to eligibility criteria.
- Translation services - support for translation services for businesses new to foreign language markets and interpreting services for in-market meetings. This support is subject to eligibility criteria.
Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce
NI Chamber offers technical expertise, training and advice, specific to the needs of companies trading from and with Northern Ireland.
View the range of export training courses.
The Export Documentation service from NI Chamber offers a range of services to help exporters complete the necessary paperwork required when exporting.
NI Chamber can help your business with customs declarations by processing import declarations to the Customs Declarations Service (CDS) for movements from GB to NI. To register for this service you should email: dawn.robertson@northernirelandchamber.com.
NI Chamber can also review your import and export processes to ensure that current processes are compliant and that the correct documentation and appropriate codes accompany export activity. To register for this service you should email: dawn.robertson@northernirelandchamber.com.
InterTradeIreland
InterTradeIreland offers various advisory support schemes to help businesses export.
Funding Advisory Service
InterTradeIreland’s Funding Advisory Service for Established Businesses is aimed at SMEs who are looking for new or alternative sources of funding to finance business growth.
20 companies each year will be allowed to participate in the programme. 14 from the Republic of Ireland six from Northern Ireland. The programme's objective is to improve participants' capacity to raise finance to enable their businesses to grow.
Note applicants to the programme will be required to have a minimum annual turnover of £100,000 (or €uro equivalent), have a trading history of a minimum of 18 months and should have attended a workshop. Applicants to the programme will be required to submit their most recent annual accounts and a business plan.
Trade Export Pathway
InterTradeIreland’s Trade Export Pathway offers free, specialist support to grow your exports across six different steps of the pathway. It’s a quick and simple application process and your business will benefit from bespoke support tailored to your specific needs.
The Trade Export Pathway aims to help businesses graduate from being non-exporters, first-time exporters, inexperienced exporters, and experienced exporters, to become advanced exporters.
Tailored support is available for each of the below steps, allowing you to have a specialist work with you and your business to help establish and grow your exports over time.
- Charting your route: develop your cross-border export plan
- Reaching the customer: develop your cross-border export marketing strategy
- Opening the door: entering your target market
- Selling your product: building sales development skills
- Growing your exports: cross-border lead prospecting and generation
- Measuring your success: cross-border business strategy development
Cross-Border Trade Hub
InterTradeIreland has created a comprehensive business hub, which contains the latest information for businesses engaged in, or planning to engage in, cross-border trade between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The Cross-Border Trade Hub provides information on a variety of topics, including trade in goods and services, focusing on customs, VAT, regulation and cross-border employment.
Access the Cross-Border Trade Hub.
Business finance and support finder
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Finding opportunities for exporting
How to find opportunities for exporting.
Having knowledge of specific products or services that are in demand outside Northern Ireland, and keeping up-to-date on the latest contract opportunities, can help boost your business performance and profitability. There is support available to help you identify these openings.
Invest Northern Ireland support
- Tenders alert service - businesses can register to receive alerts of competitions for public sector contracts, which have just been advertised and match your area of expertise. The service costs £100 per annum. To sign up for tender notifications, call the Invest NI Boosting Business helpline on Tel 0800 181 4422. See research competitors and markets.
- Tender guides - specific guides have been developed to assist you tender for new opportunities. You can download: The Tender Process (PDF, 646KB), Top tips for successful tendering (PDF, 590KB), Preparation and understanding the market (PDF, 793KB).
- Workshops - there are regular workshops listed on our Events Finder that can assist with business tendering.
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Network support for exporting
Available networking support for exporters.
When you're moving into a new business area, it pays to use the advice of people who already have significant experience. Other people who have been through the same processes can offer invaluable advice. They can also warn you of the potential pitfalls.
Invest Northern Ireland
Invest Northern Ireland provides services and programmes that put inexperienced international traders in touch with experienced traders to learn and share ideas.
Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce
NI Chamber run various high profile networking events, connections and forums to help local businesses connect.
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Help and support for exporting
Finding support for our export business – Titanic Distillers
Siobhán Winston, General Manager at Titanic Distillers, explains the export support that has helped the company grow.
Titanic Distillers is the first Belfast based whiskey distillery in over 90 years. The business is based in the shipyard where the Titanic and many of its sister vessels were built.
This distillery marks a major revival of Belfast's whiskey-making tradition, an industry dormant since the era of prohibition in the 1930s.
Siobhán Winston, General Manager at Titanic Distillers, shares the company's journey into exporting, which countries they currently export to, how those countries were chosen and the support that helped their growth.
Preparing to export
"We currently export to numerous countries including the Republic of Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Germany, France, Ukraine, Denmark, and the Netherlands."
"While researching these markets, I conducted comprehensive case studies for each country to understand the market landscape before engaging with potential distributors. It was essential to research the various market requirements, including regulatory compliance, labelling laws, import duties, and other standard compliance criteria unique to each country. "
"Exporting plays a big role in our company’s growth. It helps us reach new customers, expands our sales beyond the local market, and reduces risk by not relying on just one region. "
"Going international has also pushed us to improve our products and stay competitive, as different markets often have distinct preferences. Overall, this expansion has been key to scaling the business and spotting new opportunities."
Business challenges
"One of the biggest challenges we faced was navigating the different rules and regulations in each country; it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. We managed this by thorough research and relying on local contacts familiar with specific details. Identifying the right distributors was crucial for successfully entering new markets."
"Another challenge was the lengthy time required to establish new export channels. Looking back, we would have set more realistic expectations for this timeline."
"We also encountered barriers when competing for funding or accessing support, as the Irish whiskey market has grown significantly, increasing competition with other new brands looking for guidance and resources."
Events and networking
"Establishing strong networks in target markets is vital. These networks provide insights into local market dynamics, help mitigate risks, and facilitate connections with key stakeholders."
"We have participated in many trade missions and exhibitions including ProWein, an international trade fair for wine and spirits, with Invest NI. We also joined the Going Dutch programmes with Invest NI and recently travelled to Japan with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT)."
Support and guidance
"Securing financial and advisory support has been key to our success. Access to the right financial resources allowed efficient scaling, investment in key areas, and effective cash flow management during growth phases."
“We have had support from Invest NI on their Going Dutch programme, trade stand assistance at ProWein and arranged meetings with potential distributors in new territories."
"Ongoing support from DBT through trade missions to the US, Europe, and Japan has also been invaluable."
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Help and support for exporting
Finding support for our export business - Shnuggle
Sinead Murphy, co-founder of Shnuggle, shares how the business has expanded into international markets with help from business support in Northern Ireland.
Based in Newtownards, County Down, Shnuggle designs innovative baby products to make parenting easier.
The company has grown into a multi-award-winning baby brand, trusted by parents around the world. Today, Shnuggle exports to more than 40 countries, with its largest markets in South Korea, New Zealand and the USA.
Sinead Murphy, co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer, explains how the business began its export journey, the support received along the way, and how it managed challenges to reach new markets.
Preparing to export
“When exploring a new market, we consider a range of factors. We look at cultural differences, popular baby products and the success of other brands in that market. Exhibiting at major industry trade shows has also been important - it allows us to meet potential business-to-business customers from new markets who are often keen to represent our brand.”
“At Shnuggle, product safety and quality are always our top priorities. Each product goes through extensive safety testing, and different markets often have their own additional requirement beyond those in the UK or EU.”
“Some partners prefer to create their own marketing materials, while others use the UK version of our assets. We work closely with them to maintain brand consistency while adapting to local needs.”
“Exporting now represents almost 50% of Shnuggle’s business. When we first launched, we sold to customers in the UK and Ireland. Expanding into global markets has been transformative for our company.”
Business challenges
“International growth has brought challenges, but none that we haven’t been able to overcome. As your products gain popularity, the risk of imitation increases. However, being the original brand owner and designer gives you the options to protect and reduce this risk.”
“Staying informed about economic, social and environmental changes in each market is also important. We’ve experienced occasional disruptions from extreme weather events and elections, so maintaining regular contact with our overseas partners is essential.”
Events and networking
“We’ve exhibited at major trade fairs across Europe, the USA and China, and we also support partners to showcase the brand in their own markets.”
“Our first major trade mission was through Invest NI’s Going Dutch programme, which helped a small group of local brands meet with potential distributors in Amsterdam. That experience led to our launch in the Netherlands, and we then applied the same approach to entering other new markets.”
“Entering a new market can sometimes seem daunting. A strong network in your target market is invaluable. The Invest NI teams in offices around the world have been a great source of support. Their local experts have helped us research baby retail trends within those markets.”
Support and guidance
“Over the years, Shnuggle has benefited from support and guidance from various organisations. Our first Business Bootcamp was provided by our local council, Ards and North Down, where we were matched with a business mentor who helped us the business basics and later joined our board.”
“As an Invest NI client, we received support to attend trade shows, recruit new staff and deliver marketing activity. We also took part in an InterTradeIreland sales development programme, which helped us grow cross-border trade. Through the Springboard programme, and with guidance from a business mentor, we were better prepared to pitch for investment as we continued to grow and scale.”
“Compared to our industry peers in Great Britain, we’ve had excellent opportunities to access support, including funding for travel and international exhibitions - support that has been crucial in helping us compete on the world stage.”
“Access to business funding information has improved greatly since we started Shnuggle. It was once difficult to know what was available, but now it’s much easier to search online and find support based on your business needs.”
“We’ve built a brand that’s recognised worldwide for safety and quality, as well as a workplace where our team can develop their skills and grow with us.”
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