UK Export Academy Welcome Pack

welcome to the

Academy uk export

Welcome Pack

Your guide to the UK Export Academy

It’s a world of opportunity

Welcome

Congratulations! By joining the UK Export Academy, you’ve made an important step in your businesses’ exporting journey. There are hundreds of markets ready for your products and services. It’s time to upskill your business, broaden your knowledge, and take advantage of Britain’s world-class brand on a global scale.

The UK Export Academy is a free training programme delivered by the Department for International Trade (DIT). It is our ambition to see small and medium-sized businesses like yours reaching their growth potential. You are one of thousands of businesses striving to grow and diversify their customer base. Over the course of the programme, we’ll show you how to prepare your business, explore international markets, and give you the tools you need to seek out your next overseas opportunity.

Whether you’re a first-time exporter, or looking to develop your knowledge even further, we’re always adding more exciting sessions, so keep checking back to grow your unique UK Export Academy programme.

Keirra Smith Deputy Director UK Export Academy Department for International Trade

introduction to the uk export academy

build your own training programme

With hours of virtual and in-person workshops, the UK Export Academy is designed to work around your business needs. Choose your events and build your own training programme at the pace that

If you’re not sure where to begin, speak to one of our friendly UK Export Academy Advisors or join a welcome webinar which will show you how to get started.

DID YOU KNOW?

The UK Export Academy team continue to add new, exciting events to the programme. We work closely with export experts, industry specialists, and overseas DIT offices to bring you the latest information. Keep checking back to update your personalised programme.

Foundation Course

If you’re new to exporting, our foundation courses will introduce UK businesses to key topics in a clear, step-by-step course. Divided into ten one-hour modules, you can attend as many workshops that suits your needs.

Masterclasses

Once you’re confident with the basics, our advanced masterclasses will take you through specialist subjects, such as eCommerce, intellectual property, and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).

Sector Events

Get key information and updates relevant to your industry. Hear from sector specialists and find out more about the export opportunities available for UK businesses.

Market Events

Every market is different. Find out how to enter your chosen market, get updates on live opportunities, and meet overseas specialists who can help your business grow in their country.

in 2022 UK exports have increased by

£386 billion

Foundation course

Your export journey starts right here

If you’re new to exporting, this is the place to start. Our foundation courses are designed to introduce UK businesses to key topics in a clear, step-by-step course. Divided into ten one-hour modules, you can attend as many workshops that suits your needs.

As part of the foundation course, you’ll be able to fill in an Export Action Plan tailored to your business.

Module 1

The Benefits and Barriers of Export

Get started in this first module, where we’ll be thinking about how to “health check” your business and discussing the importance of the Export Action Plan.

Module 2

International Market Research

Effective market research can save time and money, as well as propelling you towards better opportunities. However, many businesses neglect this vital step. We’ll be looking at how to approach and structure your research to achieve more sales.

Module 3

Customs Procedures (Part 1)

A whistle-stop tour of all the documentation you might need to consider when moving your goods across international borders.

Module 4

Pricing Strategy and Route to Markets

British companies often under-price their goods and services. What is the best way to approach your pricing? We’ll also discuss the influence of your route to market on your pricing strategy.

Module 5

Customs Procedures (Part 2)

Building on Module 3, we’ll go into more detail about Customs Documentation, Rules of Origin, finding your Commodity Code and more.

Module 6 Getting

Paid

A close look at the important issues for getting paid for your exports, including – payment options, currency issues, export credit insurance and UK export finance.

Module 7

Understanding Incoterms

An introduction to Incoterms. What are they and what do they do? And importantly what don’t they do? Find out in this one-hour webinar.

Module 8

Export Controls

Export controls affect around 5% of exports. Why do we have them? What sort of products are restricted or prohibited?  We’ll take a look at dual use products, the UK export licensing system and embargoes and sanctions.

Module 9

Selling Services (Part 1)

This two-part module focuses solely on selling services overseas. We’ll look at what the opportunities are for services, where in the world you should focus, which markets you should focus on and target and how you market your service.

Module 10

Selling Services (Part 2)

Continuing from Module 9, we’ll go into further detail about selling your services overseas.

masterclasses

The UK Export Academy’s masterclasses will take your business to the next level. Improve your knowledge with our series of advanced workshops, designed to develop your export skills. Choose the workshops that suit your Export Action Plan, and fast track your business to international growth.

Choose the topics that benefit your business

Digital marketing

Develop meaningful strategies and successfully reach new customers across the globe

Our masterclasses are constantly evolving, but here’s just some of the topics we can cover.

Managing agents and distributors

Explore different routes to markets and choose the right one for your business

Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)

Discover the key features and benefits these can agreements offer

Selling online

Find out what improvements you can make to take your website to the world

Protecting your intellectual property

Find out how managing your IP can strengthen your ability to export

Pitching your business

Develop a winning sales proposition and learn how to deliver it to international clients

Finding financial support

Access funding through loans and investments, and find out what grants are available to exporters

If your business is growing, so are you

Sector Events

every sector has unique challenges

The UK Export Academy can bring you up-to-date relevant information for your specific sector. Working with DIT sector teams and industry specialists, join our sector events to find out more about how to navigate your international growth.

» Chemicals

» Clean Growth

» Consumer and Retail

» Creative Industries

» Defence, Security and Cyber

» Education

» Food and Drink

» Healthcare, Life Sciences and Chemicals

» Safeguarding Supply

» Space

» Technology and Smart Cities

Market Events

find opportunities in your chosen market

Working closely with our overseas offices and international partners, the UK Export Academy can connect your business to on-theground contacts in over 180 offices across the globe. With our market events, get up-to-date information about opportunities available in your next export market.

TOP EXPORT MARKETS IN 2022

United States

Germany

Netherlands

Ireland

France

health checklist

check your business is ready to export

By checking the health of your business, you will be prepared to overcome any potential barriers that might slow your growth.

Take a look at our handy health checklist, and if you need any help, speak to one of our friendly UK Export Academy Advisers.

Your export approach

Do you have a documented export action plan?

Are you willing to invest in international sales by making the commitment of money and people?

Products and services

Is your product/service suitable for international markets?

Is your product/service certified for international markets?

Does your company know how to modify your product and packing for international markets?

Do you have a clear value proposition for your products/services in international markets?

Is your product/service use affected by climatic or geographical factors?

People and experience

Do you have competent people to lead and manage the international sale of products/services?

Do you have the people resource to manage increased demand?

Ha ve you considered culture and language requirements? Do you have those skills within your organisation to support enquiries, sales, marketing, and design?

Sales and marketing

Do you have good understanding of appropriate routes to market for your product/service?

Do you know who your major international competitors are?

Is your digital presence (including your website) suitable for international markets?

Do you have the capability to draft bid responses, negotiate contracts, conduct due diligence, or discuss a specific order with potential overseas partners/suppliers?

Planning and market knowledge

Are you confident about pricing for international markets?

Do you regularly analyse international market data to inform business decisions?

Do you understand and prepare for current trading conditions?

Have you identified a market through international market research?

Financials

Do you have the budget to support your international trade plans?

Do you have a good understand of different export finance mechanisms and payments?

Do you understand the cash flow implications of exporting?

Have you considered the tax implications of international sales (including VAT)?

Have you considered how you will manage different currencies?

Operations

Do you have the production capacity to meet increased demand?

Do you have good knowledge of the necessary logistics to deliver your product/service?

Do you understand the export documentation you will require and the current export controls, certification, or licensing that applies?

Ha ve you considered a policy and procedure for handling returns/faulty goods/warranties/ insurance?

Ha ve you considered your intellectual property and how to protect it in international markets?

Ha ve you considered developing or amending your policies and procedures to take account of overseas trading and travel?

frequently asked questions (FAQ)

how do i attend a virtual event?

You can join all virtual events in the virtual lobby. Check your welcome email for your personalised log-in details. All of our events are hosted on Microsoft Teams and can be accessed via the app or your web browser. If you have any issues, ensure your local IT system allows access.

can i watch a recording?

If you miss a virtual event, we will send a link to the recording and slides shortly afterwards. However, we recommend attending events live to ask questions from our experts. Recordings are only available for two weeks after the event took place.

how do i add new events to my agenda?

Can I request a 1-2-1 with an adviser?

The UK Export Academy is an event programme designed to upskill businesses in a one-to-many learning environment. If you have any additional questions or need specialist export support, contact the helpline at exportacademy@trade.gov.uk

is it really free?

Yes! The UK Export Academy is a free fully funded government programme delivered on behalf of the Department for International Trade (DIT). It is open to all UK businesses who want to grow their business by reaching international customers and expanding into new markets.

can i close my account?

The UK Export Academy is more than a training course. It’s an ongoing export community that will evolve and grow with your business.

For every step you take, we will be there alongside you to support your exporting ambitions. If you need further help, have any questions, or would like to know more about other DIT services that could benefit your business, get in touch on the details below.

To see what new events

are

coming up and add them to your agenda, you must log-in and modify your account. You will find your log-in details in your welcome email.

We’re always adding new events to our programme, and if you leave, you may miss out on our exciting developments. However, if you no longer wish to join, please contact us at: exportacademy@trade.gov.uk

The UK’s Department for International Trade (DIT) helps businesses export, drives inward and outward investment, negotiates market access and trade deals, and champions free trade.

• We are an international economic department, responsible for:

• supporting and encouraging UK businesses to drive sustainable international growth

• ensuring the UK remains a leading destination for international investment

• opening markets, moulding the trade environment with new and existing partners which is free and fair

• using trade and investment to underpin the government’s agenda for a Global Britain and its ambitions for prosperity, stability and security worldwide.

Published November 2022

by Department for international Trade

© Crown Copyright