The Export Academy from the Department for International Trade is a series of events that will help you grow your business by showing you how to sell to new customers around the world. 

Taking part is free, and you’ll learn directly from experts in international trade who are on hand to provide support across a range of sectors and businesses, from selling children’s clothes to Spain, to providing PR services for clients in the US.

The programme is primarily designed for owners and senior managers of businesses with a turnover of less than £2 million and are located in the South West.

Why has the Export Academy been developed?

Research from the Department for International Trade suggests that most business who could export feel that they don’t have a good level of knowledge about how to do so.

The Export Academy aims to address this uncertainty about how to sell internationally through education and support, upskilling businesses so they have the tools and confidence to seek out new opportunities around the world.

What do businesses get from the programme?

• An export action plan to take their business to international customers.

• Educational events, independent learning, networking and group mentoring.

• A series of educational webinars, led by experts from the Department for International Trade.

• Inspirational first-hand accounts from SMEs and Export Champions on the challenges and rewards of growing a business internationally.

• Support from International Trade Advisers, and an opportunity to network with other businesses that have global ambitions.

• Access to other support from the Department for International Trade and its local trade offices, including the chance to join trade missions and apply for grants and funding.

• Referrals to key partners, e.g. UK Export Finance or the Institute of Export, where more specialist support would help.

What events are you running?

Traditional Series 

To super-charge your journey, a series of 10 virtual workshops have been developed.

Once you register your place on the Export Academy you will be able to book onto one or more of the following workshop titles:

• The Benefits and Barriers of Export

• International Market Research

• Customs Procedures Part 1

• Pricing Strategy and Routes to Market

• Customs Procedures Part 2

• Getting Paid

• Understanding Incoterms

• Export Controls

• Selling Services Part 1

• Selling Services Part 2

Intensive Series

The intensive series is for those companies wanting to learn everything they would from the traditional series in two half-day sessions.

• Part 1 - Introduction to Export (Benefits and Barriers, International Market Research, Pricing Strategy, Getting Paid and Selling Services)

• Part 2 - Movement of Goods (Customs Procedures, Understanding Incoterms and Export Controls)

Interactive Events

A chance for companies to engage with trade advisers and network with other exporting businesses.

• Networking Session: Sharing Export Experience

• Drop-In Surgery

Special Events

As part of the Export Academy South West series, DIT we will also be running events around various topics. These will include:

• Digital Masterclass Part 1

• Digital Masterclass Part 2

• Financing Options Masterclass

• Exporting to North America

• Intellectual Property

• Exporting Retail

• Exporting to Europe

They are also holding "Supporting African and Caribbean-Owned Businesses to Trade Internationally" on 24th May.

How can people join?

You can register to take part in the Export Academy by clicking here >