Rochdale businesses could benefit from £10 million programme

Date published: 16/03/2006

Rochdale's small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) who are starting to export could benefit from the £10 million new 2006-7 programme of overseas exhibitions drawn up jointly by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and trade organisations. More experienced exporters considering their first move into the China or India markets can also benefit from the programme.

The restructured scheme is now open for applications under the new name Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP) and one hundred accredited trade organisations have already nominated 600 overseas exhibition events where UK companies could gain new export opportunities. The scheme was previously known as SESA (Support for Exhibitions and Seminars Abroad).

Eligible companies can apply to receive a grant from UKTI for participation at all of the 600 events. At 300 key events UKTI will also support trade associations to raise the profile of groups of UK companies attending. China and India have been selected for special focus because they are market priorities for most UK sectors.

Trade Minister Ian Pearson said:

"This is good news for new exporters who want to enter overseas markets through participating in trade shows. It's a big programme of some 600 exhibitions in 54 countries. Our support for groups attending 300 'key events' will enable trade associations to showcase Britain to an international audience"

Two other continuing schemes from UK Trade & Investment provide further opportunities to visit overseas markets. Market Visit Support is aimed at small and medium sized companies who are either new to export or new to certain markets. Available through UKTI International Trade Advisors around the UK, Market Visit Support helps companies to visit overseas markets either individually or as part of an organised group.  In addition UKTI will continue to
provide support for companies joining missions and seminars targeted at specific industry sectors.

How the Tradeshow Access Programme will work:

1. Accredited Trade Organisations (ATOs: mainly trade associations and chambers of commerce) will organise UK groups at shows and forward applications for TAP support to UKTI.
   
2. UKTI International Trade Teams in the English Regions and Devolved Administrations will approve businesses for TAP and offer other support services to help effective participation and market entry.
   
3. Eligible businesses can receive up to three fixed-amount grants of £1800 for taking part in UK groups or £1500 for independent participation in shows.
   
4. China and India have been selected for special focus because they are market priorities for most UK sectors.
   
5. UKTI will continue to support sectoral trade missions and overseas seminars under initiatives run by sector teams and co-ordinators, and Market Visit Support through International Trade Advisors.
   
6. The current scheme, SESA (Support for Exhibitions and Seminars Abroad), will run until 31 March 2006.

Companies interested in applying for grants should consult the list of exhibition events on the UKTI website www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk.

Alternatively they should contact the International Trade Team at their local Chamber of Commerce or Business Link.