HEATHROW RELAUNCHES WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY TO SUPPORT BUDDING EXPORTERS

Heathrow is calling for SMEs across the South East of England to come forward and pitch their products to the world. The UK’s hub airport is relaunching its World of Opportunity competition which helps new exporters to get their goods and services sold on international markets.

Grants are up for grabs in every nation and region of the country and winners will receive funding to further their exporting ambitions. Previous winners have funded vital trade missions, research and training that has helped them expand into lucrative overseas markets, driving growth in their sales and supporting jobs on home soil.

World of Opportunity is delivered in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), who recently published their SME Export Taskforce recommendations outlining how business and Government can supercharge SME exporting. Winners will be connected to the network of advice via the Export Support Service, offered by the Department for Business and Trade, to assist in their research and export strategies.

Applications are open 23 September to 23 December and a judging panel of business and government experts will select the most promising company from each of the UK’s 12 nations and regions. Winners will each receive £2,000.

Heathrow connects businesses across the South East to more than 200 destinations. Regions and nations across the UK can access 95% of the global economy within a direct flight from Heathrow. The South East has the highest employment rate of any region, attracting more direct foreign investment than any area outside of London. The region’s economic activity is supported by its proximity to Heathrow. Advanced manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies rely on 24/7 global supply chains that connect them to lucrative global export market. World of Opportunity seeks to help more businesses across the South East to grow through exporting.

Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said: “In every corner of the UK there are entrepreneurs who have the potential to be exporters.

SMEs in this country make and do fantastic things, selling those products and services on international markets is key to economic growth and supporting jobs at home.

“As the UK’s hub airport and largest port by value, Heathrow is proud to already support thousands of SMEs to grow their business through trade. There is a world of opportunity out there and we want to help even more people benefit.”

To find out more and apply visit: heathrow.com/world-of-opportunity