Import & Export Support for Businesses
Get importing and exporting support for your business in York and North Yorkshire.
Importing and exporting into new markets can be a daunting step for any business but international trade can be an excellent way to grow your business and diversify your proposition.
It is important to plan and do your research into market expansion. This will allow you to look at the possibilities, create an export plan and set targets that will enable you to keep on track.
Our team can put you in contact with trusted international trade experts and resources, as well as provide advice on key areas including regulations, finances, language and cultural considerations.
The Department for Business & Trade (DBT) offer importing and exporting support
Through its “Made in the UK, Sold to the World” export campaign, the Department for Business & Trade (DBT) is committed to helping UK businesses, signposting them to the support they need to seize international trade opportunities.
Information on the mixture of online and in person support available for first time exporters and those looking to expand into new international markets is available at www.great.gov.uk.
Local export support
Through the DBT’s Yorkshire and the Humber regional office, you can gain access to International Trade Advisors (ITAs) who are both sector and exporting specialists. They help you get ready to export, identify target export markets, assess market readiness and review barriers to entry. ITAs also help you to get in front of potential customers and partners by working with DBT’s international network, conducting trade missions and attending trade shows.
The advice and support from an ITA is free. To discuss working with one, you can find the contact details of your local DBT Yorkshire and the Humber office at: www.great.gov.uk/contact/office-finder/
Support from the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub
Wherever you are in your business journey and regardless of the sector that you operate in, we can provide free importing and exporting support aimed at helping you to succeed. If you would like to speak with one of our advisors about the wide range of support available, please contact us.
Articles
UK Small Business Commissioner to launch York Business Festival 2025
York Business School at York St John University is delighted to announce a packed programme of events for York Business Festival 2025. Alongside invited expert speakers and hosts, the Festival is a showcase of the support that York Business School and the wider University offers to local businesses and social enterprises.
Export magic as York business nears 1 million sales milestone
A York-based business owner is set to export 1 million drinks to the US this year and wants more of the region’s businesses to follow in his footsteps. Phil Pinder from the Potions Cauldron will be one of the experts taking part in the export roadshows this month, organised by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. The team will visit venues across two weeks including Tadcaster, Harrogate, Scarborough, York, Catterick and Skipton.
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Events
10th October 202510:00 am - 11:30 amFREE
🟢 Steps into Digital: Basic Data Literacy Skills
Businesses generate data, through sales, customer interactions or internal operations. Yet many aren’t confident in understanding or applying it. This session introduces what data is, where it comes from and how it can be used to support better business outcomes.
14th October 202510:00 am - 3:00 pmFREE
🟢 [FULLY BOOKED] Steps into Digital: Instagram for Business, A Beginner's Guide (Ripon)
This introductory workshop is designed to help you demystify and gain confidence using the fundamental features of Instagram enabling you optimise and grow your account, business and your confidence at beginner level.
14th October 20259:30 am - 12:15 pmFREE
Export Roadshow: Tadcaster
This roadshow is a great opportunity to network with other businesses looking to grow and ask questions of the experts. It will provide you with helpful advice, routes for support beyond the event, including the UK Export Academy, and information about other funding opportunities.
Resources
Webinar Recording: A Grassroots Approach to Thriving Towns
This webinar, funded through the Mayor’s Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund, shares practical tools, inspiring stories, and proven strategies to activate your own high street on small budgets, from the ground up.
Webinar Recordings: LinkedIn Webinar SeriesLinkedIn Webinar Series
This three-part LinkedIn webinar series is designed to support you at every stage of your LinkedIn journey, from building a presence to leveraging the platform for business growth. Starting with Build Your Personal Brand on LinkedIn, Elevate Your LinkedIn, and finally Elevate LinkedIn for Business Growth.
Webinar Recording: IP Readiness for Investment: A Strategic Guide for Early-Stage Businesses
For early-stage businesses, intellectual property is often the most valuable asset on the table. Yet many founders underestimate how closely investors scrutinize IP during due diligence. Delivered by experienced Patent Attorney Melvyn Ansell, this session will explore how to turn your IP into a powerful lever for funding, valuation, and long-term growth.