Tees Valley businesses to get international boost with new support service

A new service is set to lend extra support to businesses in the Tees Valley area who are looking to improve their exporting activities.

The free initiative — known as ‘Expanding Tees Valley Presence in International Markets’ — has been created by the Department of International Trade (DIT) to assist eligible SMEs in the region to offer their products and services abroad.

It will offer both practical and financial support, positioning itself as the ideal gateway for businesses who are new to the international market.

Julie Underwood, director of international trade at the North East of England Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Tees Valley is a fertile ground for brilliant SMEs operating across a wealth of sectors.

“It plays home to some of the region’s most successful exporters, but we believe there is an opportunity to do so much more.

“The ‘Expanding Tees Valley Presence in International Markets’ project provides an innovative approach to export support. Businesses tell us what they need and we deliver it – quickly, simply and effectively.”

SMEs that access the service will work with an international trade adviser to identify and achieve the goals that will help them to expand their trade overseas, as well as receiving support through advice, workshops, and business models.

The Expanding Tees Valley Presence in International Markets initiative will also provide access to up to £1,800 of funding for activities like travel, attending industry shows, expanding their marketing presence abroad, and consultancy support.

Underwood added: “Through Expanding the Tees Valley, we will introduce businesses to their own International Trade Adviser, who will develop an understanding of the firm and its aspirations before working with it to provide tailored support and develop an achievable delivery plan outlining the activities to help grow trade overseas.

“The trade adviser will also help businesses access specialist support, such as Virtual Export Managers and Export Sector Specialists, as well as grant funding to assist with the costs of export promotion.”