There's a whole range of support available to Dorset Businesses - of all sizes and across all sectors - to get help with International Trade and the new rules for trading with the European Union.
Whether you're brand new to it and need entry-level advice or a dab-hand at exporting and just need to know how the UK transition out of Europe affects your sector - find out about the help available here:
A series of series of introductory videos and webinars for businesses trading with the EU.
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Free online training for owners and managers of Businesses in Dorset with up to £500k turnover.
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Match-funding of between £1,000 and £9,000 open to Dorset Businesses with significant potential to grow international sales.
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Trading with the EU
Register with Gov.uk for access to a range of introductory videos including:
- Exporting and sending goods outside of the UK
- Importing and bringing goods into the UK
- The customs clearance process
Eligibility Criteria - none, registration required.
TRADING WITH THE EU - REGISTER HERE
The Export Academy
The Export Academy from the Department for International Trade helps you grow your business by showing you how to sell to new customers around the world.
It's a free online course and you’ll learn directly from experts in international trade who are on hand to provide support across a range of sectors and businesses - such as selling children’s clothes to Spain or providing PR services for clients in the US. The Academy is delivered through a structured series of online events including:
- Webinars
- Round tables
- Mentoring sessions
Eligibility Criteria
The programme is free with registration and open to owners and senior managers of Dorset businesses with a turnover of up to £500,000.
Business Benefit
You will graduate from the programme with a completed Export Action Plan to take your business direct to international customers. Your plan will be the culmination of everything you have learnt on the programme.
EXPORT ACADEMY - REGISTER HERE
Internationalisation Fund from DIT
The Internationalisation Fund from DIT is open to SME businesses that have significant potential to grow international sales, with match-funding of between £1,000 and £9,000 available as a grant.
Existing exporters are eligible if they are aiming to get into a new geographic market or launch a new product or service. The activity funded needs to add value and not just be an extension of current activity.
The funding can be used by a business to support:
- Market research
- Intellectual Property advice
- Translation services
- International social media and/or Search Engine Optimisation
- Trade fairs (where no Trade Access Programme (TAP) funding is available).
- Independent market visits
- Consultancy and other international commercial services
There are some business activities that aren’t eligible for the funding, including:
- Salaries
- Capital costs
- Production costs
- Purchase of assets
- Primary producers (for example agriculture)
Find out more - register with Dorset Gateway here
Webinars for exporters of animals and products of animal origin to the EU
Register for free webinars to learn more about what you need to do to export animals, fish and high risk foods not of animal origin from 1 January 2021.
Webinars for legal professionals
The Ministry of Justice and Law Society are holding a series of webinars for legal professionals discussing legal changes from 1 January 2021. Find out more on the Ministry of Justice Guidance page.
Contact us
As always, Dorset LEP’s Dorset Gateway team is ready to offer specific business support. We are available on the contact information below. We are happy to be able to help our local businesses at this time with our free bespoke business advice and signposting.
Make an enquiry with Dorset Gateway here