Open to Export further accelerates the ambitions of SMEs

Government backed initiative Open to Export is further accelerating the ambitions of SMEs who are seeking to export via a new online service that produces a focused Export Action Plan to steer them in the right direction.
The Export Action Plan is the latest addition to the Open to Export’s online offering, which is dedicated to helping UK businesses prepare to sell overseas by giving them free access to online information, support and advice.
The step-by-step Export Action Plan – now accessible on Open to Export’s recently upgraded website – takes visitors through five key action points before producing a report they can take to trade advisors.
Open to Export Chief Executive, Lesley Batchelor OBE, said: “With a growing number of SMEs identifying the opportunities that trading globally presents – but daunted by taking what they see as a big step – our Export Action Plan is a great starting point. It allows them to focus their goals and talk with confidence to the trade advisors and banks who can help the venture to succeed.
“Easy to use, the plan can be completed at any pace. It is an integral element of our commitment to deliver a versatile tool to help small businesses plan and understand how best to prepare themselves to go international.”
Julian Hucker, Open to Export Chairman and entrepreneur added: “Our commitment to help new exporters to broaden their horizons will include a quarterly competition, sponsored by International Festival for Business 2016. A panel of experts will shortlist and judge the action plans based on their potential and feasibility, awarding a cash sum of £3000, together with additional support from UKTI and other partners, to help the winning business implement their plans.
“This service is just what small businesses and the economy needs. Available at absolutely no cost, it is a tremendous boost to SMEs who want to explore a whole world of opportunity for major growth and will also be a major contributor to UK plc’s global drive.”
Mark Emmerson, HSBC UK Head of Global Trade & Receivables Finance added” “HSBC has been connecting businesses to overseas opportunities for over 150 years. I am therefore delighted that Open to Export has developed this simple and practical tool for small businesses to use when entering new markets for the first time.”
Potential exporters can try out Export Action Plan at http://opentoexport.com/info/export-action-plan/
Open to Export will be attending UKTI’s Export Week events across the country, from November 9 – 13, when the team will invite delegates to discover the benefits of Export Action Plan at first hand.
Open to Export is supported by founders, UK Trade & Investment, the Federation of Small Businesses, the Institute of Export and Yell. Since October 2014, it has we have been sponsored by principal partner, HSBC, as part of the bank’s ongoing drive to help businesses of all sizes achieve their growth ambitions.