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?