Want to grow your business through international trade? This programme is for you.

After recently delivering a series of highly regarded peer-to-peer activities designed to reduce isolation among small business owners and managers. These sessions have led to tangible innovation and productivity improvements, as participants learn from trusted peers and build strong, relevant local networks.

Participants explained the day-to-day demands often keep them working in their business rather than on it.

These peer sessions provided valuable time and space to step back, build confidence and resilience, and gain practical insights from others facing similar challenges.

Building on this positive feedback, we are now extending the programme and bringing together a cohort of small and medium-sized business owners and managers who want to make the most of sales opportunities in international markets.

Whether you are new to exporting or already trading overseas and looking to optimise your approach, this programme could be right for you.

Programme aims

The aim of the group is to harness collective experience to help participants:

• Develop scalable, sustainable, and profitable international business models
• Identify and capitalise on international opportunities
• Remove barriers to international sales and delivery
• Minimise risk

Why join?

Expanding into overseas markets can be exciting—but it can also feel complex and frustrating. Even experienced exporters face important questions:

• Is your offer right for international customers?
• Are you trading in the most suitable markets and marketplaces?
• How will you generate sales and deliver effectively overseas?
• What resources will you need, and how will you remain profitable?
• What statutory and regulatory requirements must you consider?
• How can you protect your business and intellectual property?

This practical international trade programme will help you clarify what you want—and realistically can—achieve, then support you in identifying the most effective ways to get there with minimal disruption to your business.

How will it work?

The programme runs over six weeks and includes six two-hour facilitated group sessions. Delegates will identify and discuss opportunities and challenges, using collective experience to broaden options, make informed decisions, and take practical actions to optimise their international activity.

Each session is led by an experienced SME owner with a strong track record of developing overseas markets across multiple sectors. Discussions are non-competitive, confidential, and supportive, creating a safe environment where participants can explore ideas openly and without judgement.

After each session, delegates will receive:

• A concise session summary
• Practical tools and checklists to support further thinking and application

These can be used at a pace that suits your business.

In addition, each delegate is entitled to two hours of one-to-one coaching with the programme facilitator.

What will be covered?

Discussion topics will be shaped by the group, but may include:

• Why trade internationally? Understanding how international trade can add value
• Identifying and removing barriers to growth
• Internationalising your offer and considering localisation
• Choosing the right markets and marketplaces
• Understanding and securing the resources you need
• Routes to market and international business models
• Finding and managing overseas partners
• Administration and compliance
• Protecting your business and IP
• Understanding the numbers
• What additional support is available

Peer group discussions and coaching sessions are also open to any specific issues participants wish to explore.

Places are limited for each cohort.

If you would like to benefit from shared international trade experience, practical support, and expert facilitation, we encourage you to book early to secure your place.

Where and When

This programme will be delivered weekly online via Zoom, on Tuesdays from 10am – 12pm.

• Workshop 1 | Tuesday 3 February, 10am – 12pm
• Workshop 2 | Tuesday 10 February, 10am – 12pm
• Workshop 3 | Tuesday 17 February, 10am – 12pm
• Workshop 4 | Tuesday 24 February, 10am – 12pm
• Workshop 5 | Tuesday 3 March, 10am – 12pm
• Workshop 6 | Tuesday 10 March, 10am – 12pm

Register now