Thousands of small businesses in the UK are going global and exporting.
The UK government can help and here is a quick overview of guidance and training to grow your business safely and securely.
Good security can protect your competitive advantage and make your company more attractive to investors and customers.
Your security officer, IT, finance, legal and chief operating officer may find this information useful.
Informed Investment - do your research!
There are many ways you can finance or fund your business to grow your home market or export.
Whether you decide to borrow money (bank loans, finance platforms) or get someone to invest in your business (equity partnerships) read the National Protective Security Authority’s Informed Investment to understand potential risks associated with finance - both to your business and the UK's national security.
Taking a security-minded approach from the start of your investment planning and researching your potential investors can reduce the risks. For instance, does your investor have commercial, political or military connections or are their businesses subject to export controls or sanctions that could impact your sales strategy?
Informed exporting - do your research!
Make sure you know the rules and regulations when developing your export strategy.
A good starting point is to review the Export goods step by step guide from Export Control Joint Unit explaining how to export goods from UK to international destinations.
To help you research foreign markets, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Overseas Business Risk service has UK government staff in country who produce economic factsheets for over 180 countries. Potential business risks include bribery, human rights and intellectual property.
And don’t forget to join the UK Export Academy for online training and webinars to support your business to grow and sell your products or services to the world. Courses range from how to access new international markets, masterclasses on managing agents and distributors to explaining sector/market specific trade agreements.
Join the webinar to get your business investment and export ready - Wednesday, 26th February 2025 - 10:00
Hear direct from the UK government experts - Investment Security Unit and Export Control Joint Unit - with advice to help grow your business at home and abroad safely and securely.
Register here to book your place: economicsecurity@businessandtrade.gov.uk
Good security and due-diligence is crucial to grow your business safely and securely at home and abroad!
DBT Economic Security Business Engagement Team
