International Trade Week 2024 open for businesses to go global

• Now in its fourth year, ITW offers a week of free events, workshops and webinars for businesses of all sizes and sectors   

• Sponsored by Santander UK, the week from Monday 11th to Friday 15th November is free to register and attend   

• Events include retail opportunities in the US; exporting to Eastern Europe; deciding your pricing strategy; and igniting business growth – AI for marketing and sales  

• 36% of businesses feel ‘very confident about trading internationally’, and more than half (52%) say international trade is of increasing importance to mitigate economic challenges  

The fourth International Trade Week from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is open for UK businesses to join five days of free events, workshops and webinars that will help them unlock global opportunities.   

The action-packed week is free for companies of all sizes and sectors to attend, whether looking to secure their first export contract or expand existing international sales.   

Sponsored by Santander UK and in partnership with industry, the week will run from Monday 11th to Friday 15th November 2024. Companies can develop their exporting knowledge and skills, speak to experts in international trade, and understand how they can benefit from trade deals the UK has signed. They will also be able to hear from ‘Export Champions’ – leaders from UK businesses who are seasoned international traders – to help inspire others to explore global opportunities.   

Santander UK’s latest Trade Barometer report, published to coincide with ITW, shows that while businesses remain cautious given economic pressures, 36% feel ‘very confident about trading internationally’ – up from 22% last year. More than half (52%) say international trade is of increasing importance to mitigate economic challenges, and 58% of exporting businesses expect a quarter or more of their revenue to come from trading internationally in the next 12 months. In addition, the proportion that see growth opportunities in European markets over the next 12 months has also increased – in Germany from 20% to 23%, and in France from 15% to 19%.   

Gareth Thomas, Minister for Exports, said:

Opportunities exist around the world for UK businesses – from our closest neighbours in Europe to some of the fastest growing markets on the other side of the globe.  

We’re on hand to help businesses take their first step on their exporting journey, or supercharge existing international operations with our supply chain support and network of expert international trade advisors.  

This year’s International Trade Week looks to be even bigger and better as we get on with the job of reducing barriers to exports and delivering our number one mission – to grow the economy.

DBT is consistently working on new innovations to help bolster UK exports and provide businesses with the tools they need to succeed. During this year’s ITW, the Minister for Exports will announce the latest developments of DBT’s export support including: 

• The launch of the Export Support Directory, a digital platform designed to connect UK businesses with vetted commercial suppliers in 190 markets around the world as part of DBT’s International Markets service. Businesses can access 300+ specialist providers directly by contacting the export support team at www.great.gov.uk/contact/domestic/export-support/  

• New features now live on great.gov.uk that deliver a personalised and curated journey for individual businesses, based on their product, sector and markets of interest, allowing them to access tailored guidance and support at the click of a button.  

• The UK Export Academy’s free webinar programme focussing on unlocking Europe 

John Baldwin, CEO of Santander Corporate and Commercial Banking, Santander UK, said:

Santander UK is delighted to be headline sponsor for this year’s International Trade Week (ITW) as part of our multi-year collaboration with Department for Business and Trade (DBT).  

Today also sees the launch of our Autumn 2024 Trade Barometer research showing over half of UK SMEs (52%) feel international trade is becoming more important to them than ever (vs 21% in Autumn 2021), initiatives such as International Trade Week are vital for enabling these businesses to expand their operations into new overseas markets providing them with the support, they seek from both the government and private sector.

Last year, 3,225 businesses signed up – the biggest International Trade Week yet. Businesses can register to attend this year here, and will then be able to join as many free ITW events as they wish. These include:   

• Global Connections: export to Europe (retail and consumer)   

• Winning with Europe’s biggest home improvement marketplace   

• Expanding Horizons: How UK Businesses Can Scale globally with Amazon  

• Deciding your pricing strategy and routes to market for overseas sales   

• How to grow your business in India: practical steps  

• Retail opportunities in the US   

• Exporting to Eastern Europe and Central Asia Markets   

• Understand consumer behaviour in Saudi Arabia and the UAE  

• Expanding Horizons: the skills you need for international growth