UKTI Support
UKTI is the
Government’s export arm and is part of the Department of Business
and Regulatory Reform. The objective of UKTI is to promote
international trade.
The BMF and UKTI work very closely to bring you not only
financial support but also an extensive knowledge base including
accessing new markets, export laws and legislation and many more
things. Below we have listed two of UKTI's most popular funding and
support avenues.
The
TAP
program provides grant
support for eligible Small & Medium Sized Enterprises to attend
the overseas trade shows that appear on their approved trade show
list. The BMF is active in the creation of the list of
approved exhibitions - if you would like to know the list of
approved exhibitions please click
here.
Starting from 12th November 2008 The
TAP
application process is
changing - Please read the info below carefully.
From April 1st 2009 UKTI are starting afresh with
the
TAP
program. All companies who have previously received grants
are having their grant allocation set to zero. Going forwards
the “3 and out” rule has been increased to “6 and out” provided
that the company takes part in trade shows in at least two
markets. The proviso on markets is intended to “influence
diversification without being overly prescriptive on market
selection”.
So if you've had 3 grants and thought you couldn't get any more
- now you can!
For the remainder of this year (until March 31st 2009),
businesses that have used their three grant lives by the end of
last year (April 1st 2007/March 31st 2008) will be eligible to
apply for one more grant at any event in the programme.
The BMF supported
TAP
program until March 31st
2009
Dusseldorf Boat Show, January 17-25 2009
Seatec, Italy, February 5-7 2009
Mumbai Boat Show, India, February 19-22 2009
Dubai Boat Show, March 3-7 2009
Split Boat Show, Croatia March 28-April 5th 2009
Companies can also apply for Solo grants outside the above
events
Summary of amended
TAP
Terms and Conditions and
Eligibility Flow Charts
The changes to grant allowance apply to
SME
s meeting the following
export experience criteria.
SME
s will be
eligible to seek grant support if either or both of the following
applies:
1. they are ‘new to export’ according to the
UKTI
definition
2. they have been exporting for less than 10 years.
Using these criteria together will allow
TAP
to support a range of
relatively inexperienced businesses: novice exporters; businesses
whose exports have not yet taken off as a proportion of their
turnover; and ‘born globals’ who may be very young companies but
have been exporting substantially since their inception. This
change will come into effect now and will therefore apply to the
rest of this year as well as next year.
Mature
SME
exporters who do not fit within the above criteria i.e. they have
been exporting for more than 10 years and have total exports above
25% of turnover, may still qualify for support if they are seeking
to participate in a show where they have not taken part in the
previous edition.
To illustrate this further we have Eligibility flow charts
available for download (PDF format)
Other UKTI Services
UKTI can also assist in developing your
international business with the following services:
OMIS
Overseas Market Information Service (OMIS) - if you want to
investigate a new market, select a new agent/distributor, find key
contacts in the local government - just commission a UKTI
Commercial Officer to carry out an
OMIS
. They will
create a bespoke report; arrange a visit with meetings, a reception
in the Embassy or whatever you brief them! A fee is chargeable
dependant on the level of work involved. A number of large and
small companies in the marine industry already use this
service.
To illustrate the benefits of the OMIS service further we have
two case studies available to read these, please click here
EMRS
The Export Marketing Research Scheme (EMRS) helps and
encourages UK companies to undertake overseas marketing research
prior to developing a strategy for market entry or further
investment in an overseas market. This entails the systematic and
objective collection of information about an overseas market, to
help companies reach sound decisions on issues such as:
- Whether or not to export to a new market
- How best to deliver products / services in the market
- Whether to, and how best to invest in the country
The scheme aims to ensure that UK companies undertake or
commission marketing research based on sound methods.
The Export Marketing Research Scheme (EMRS) is managed by the
British Chambers of Commerce on behalf of UK Trade &
Investment. Funding is available for SME's that qualify under the
usual UKTI criteria. More information, including how to apply is
available on the
British Chambers of Commerce website
MVS
The Market Visit Support (MVS) scheme aims to provide companies
with financial support for visiting overseas shows or markets that
they are interested in exploring. MVS is organised by UKTI and
managed by their regional offices. Your first point of contact is
with a local International Trade Adviser - we can put you in
touch, otherwise call UKTI on +44 (0)20 7215 8000 or visit
If you are a South Coast based company you can already access
grants for many upcoming exhibitons. Please download the UKTI South
East MVS flyer for details on how to apply
for the grants
www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk