These are picking up now, as expected. Not comprehensive, but the following may be of interest. This month, I’ve tried to look for some that are not Country specific, but instead look at some of the other issues which often come up when looking overseas at a new market for the first time.

UKTI are currently running a series of day long workshops on Routes to Markets – looking at different options in different countries. These go on until the end of next month. They are not free, but could provide useful information. See www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk
Specifically, the London UKTI team are holding a series of workshops on the likes of IPR & Licensing; 7 routes to an overseas market; acquisitions & disposals; agency/distribution; as well as several trade missions – India, South Africa, etc. Go to www.uktilondon.gov.uk for more info.
On 24th February, Essex Chambers are holding an afternoon event focusing on exporting to Poland – details from www.essexchambers.co.uk.
UKTI/FCO can also advise on the multitude of trade fairs that are coming up across Europe and further afield, together with useful information on travel/safety/other issues associated with specific countries and regions – check their websites – www.ukti.gov.uk and www.fco.gov.uk.

UKTI – www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk
Business and Culture in China – 20th Nov. London.
Business and Culture in Brazil – 14th Jan. London.
Exploring Mexico – 18th Nov. London.

London Chamber of Commerce -www.londonchamber.co.uk
Opportunities in S Arabia – 2nd Nov. London

UKTI are also an ideal contact point if you want to find our more about Trade Missions to specific countries. You usually need to arrange these well in advance but, by way of example, in the next couple of months there will be missions to S.Arabia, Libya, Bahrain, Algeria and others. They also have details of overseas trade fairs, e.g. Dubai Air Show in November. Business Link are also good for information – if you already have a Business Link advisor, speak to him/her, as, for some visits,
part funding can be available.

Did you know that there’s a lot of help for exporters and would be exporters in finding new markets throughout the world from the likes of UKTI and various other bodies?

Trade Missions, sponsored at national and local level, can be a good way not only of visiting a specific country, but with the backing of UK plc. Often this will include the help and services of the local embassy/consular staff and can do wonders in opening doors. And no, you do not have to be a multi million £ global concern; I’ve known small, local businesses who’ve been on them and found them invaluable.

Remember that it is always a good idea to keep in regular contact with your counterparties, and what better way to impress them than to be part of an official UK led tour? Yes, there are costs, but often these can be subsidised, even on a matched funding basis in some cases. If you already deal with Business Link or East of England international [ www.eei-online.com ], speak to them and see if there’s anything coming up for the country/countries that you are looking at.
There are also regular UK based trade information events given by various parties – one example being Global Trade Network – www.gtnetwork.co.uk. In the coming months, they have evening seminars in the South East on S Africa, Russia and European markets. The S African one, for example, costs £15 per delegate and is being held in September in Luton with the UK Trade Commissioner for S Africa being the keynote speaker.

So why not make some enquiries – you may be surprised at what help there is available in finding new overseas contacts and, once you’ve done that, don’t forget to sort out the finance matters by asking ITFS to advise you, as well as ensuring that, if you are dealing in goods, your shipping agent covers any new markets into which you are venturing.

Good Luck!