Get exporting help and support
You can get help at any stage of your exporting journey – from finding opportunities to setting up in another country.
You can find help with exporting during coronavirus (COVID-19) on GOV.UK.
The information below is organised to help you at different stages of your exporting journey.
Find out how to:
- access export specific advice
- find introductions and opportunities relevant to your business
- protect your intellectual property
- comply with international standards
Exporting advice
Open to Export
Getting UK businesses ready to export, including getting started, selecting a market, reaching customers, pricing and getting paid, delivery and documentation.
Department for International Trade (DIT)
Has a network of experienced international trade advisers who give expert trade advice to help grow your business internationally. DIT also organises events that support businesses looking for trade opportunities.
Scottish Enterprise
Get advice on trading in international markets, with guidance from Scottish Development International (SDI) experts around the world. Includes information on funding and networking opportunities.
Helping Scottish businesses become exporters
Inspiring Scottish businesses to realise opportunities abroad and become exporters, so that they may grow and help further strengthen Scotland's economy.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE)
Economic and community development agency for the north and west of Scotland. HIE can provide funding, training, overseas market support, advice and expertise to companies across the Highlands and Islands to help them trade internationally.
Business Gateway
Offers free business support services to people starting or growing their business, including guidance on finding and expanding into new markets.
You can also find your local Business Gateway office for advice and local workshops and networking events.
VisitScotland
Promotes Scotland internationally as a world-class visitor destination and offers business support to tourism organisations through advice, networking events and training.
Federation of Small Businesses
Promotes and protects the interests of the self-employed and small business owners, and runs business networking events on a range of topic areas.
Visit the Scottish Chambers of Commerce website to find information about international trade support and to find your local chamber.
Your bank
Your bank can help with foreign transactions, trading overseas in sterling, owning assets abroad, exchange rates and managing foreign exchange risks. Talk to the international section of your bank.
Introductions and opportunities
Enterprise Europe Scotland
A group of 600 partner organisations in more than 40 countries, Enterprise Europe Scotland can help you find business opportunities and research new markets.
Exporting is Great
Access live business opportunities around the world, training sessions, business seminars and other events, as well as specialist trade services and support.
Institute of Export (IOE)
Professional membership body representing businesses involved in importing, exporting and international trade. IOE also runs a series of short training courses covering international trade management.
GlobalScot
Worldwide network of business contacts who are experts in their field, and driven to help Scottish companies develop, expand and thrive in a competitive international market.
International property and standard compliance
BSI
BSI (the UK National Standards Body) works with clients in 172 countries and can help you meet local product standards and regulations and meet the personal preferences of international consumers.
HMRC
Gives expert advice on exporting topics like the classification of goods, trading in the EU, duty relief, VAT, export taxes and exchange rates.
Your lawyer
Your lawyer should also be able to direct you to the legal support your business needs. For contact details of law firms throughout Scotland, visit the Law Society of Scotland website.
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