Roadshows Launch To Boost SME Exports

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK are set to benefit from a new wave of government-backed export support, aimed at connecting them with international buyers and fast-tracking access to global markets. Launched under the Government’s Plan for Change, the initiative seeks to turbocharge UK exports and stimulate economic growth.

The ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ roadshows commence today (24 April) in Blyth, and will take place across all nations and regions of the UK. Designed to directly link international buyers with UK SME exporters, the events will spotlight real opportunities for UK businesses to grow internationally.

Each event will focus on one of eight priority sectors identified in Britain’s modern Industrial Strategy—sectors regarded as having the greatest potential to create high-quality jobs, drive productivity, and fuel economic growth. These include clean energy, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, technology, digital, and financial services.

Connecting Buyers With British Expertise

Gareth Thomas, Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports, emphasised the importance of export growth to the UK’s economic strategy: “Maximising the UK’s export potential is crucial to achieving our Plan for Change, by creating good jobs with high wages, raising productivity, and boosting the economy.

"Through these roadshows, the government is focussing on supporting key growth sectors, making it quicker and easier for smaller businesses to connect with markets, grasp export opportunities and expand.”

Today’s inaugural roadshow is centred on the clean energy sector. The event will welcome 100 attendees, including small businesses, trade associations, and government representatives. They will be joined by 30 Commercial Officers from UK embassies and consulates, as well as 97 international buyers participating virtually through pre-arranged meetings. These buyers represent 19 countries worldwide—from Argentina and Austria to Thailand, Turkey, Mexico, India, and the UAE.

Comprehensive Export Support On Offer

The roadshows will provide attendees with direct access to expert Commercial Officers for tailored guidance on market opportunities, product entry strategies, and export regulations. In addition, SMEs will have access to an advice zone, featuring support services from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), regional Growth Hubs, Chambers of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses, UK Export Finance (UKEF), and MAKE UK.

Delegates will also benefit from a series of workshops and seminars hosted by the UK Export Academy. These will cover practical topics such as market research techniques and export pathways. Several sessions will be led by DBT Export Champions who will share their own experiences of breaking into international markets.

Championing UK Clean Tech On The Global Stage

Alex Marshall, Group Business Development Director at Clarke Energy, welcomed the roadshow’s emphasis on clean energy: “From the Americas, Africa, Asia to Australasia, clean technologies are now established as one of the most important pillars of the global economy.

So as an Export Champion and a UK business developing innovative clean technology solutions across the world, this Made in the UK, Sold to the World roadshow event is an excellent place to discuss the latest international trends and export opportunities for UK businesses in the clean energy sector.”

Looking Ahead: Boosting SME Growth

The government’s commitment to enhancing SME exports continues beyond the roadshows. Last month, the Department for Business and Trade relaunched the Board of Trade to bolster SME access to overseas markets. Later this year, a dedicated small business strategy will be introduced to further stimulate growth and scale-up potential across the UK’s 5.5 million SMEs.

UK businesses are encouraged to explore the DBT’s export support offering through Great.gov.uk, which includes a comprehensive online platform, access to the Export Academy, the International Markets network, UK Export Finance, and one-on-one advice from International Trade Advisers.