Register for this scheme
This scheme is provided by Department for Business & Trade

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is the government department for economic growth. They support businesses to invest, grow and export, creating jobs and opportunities across the country.
As the government department for economic growth DBT has five main priorities:
1. Redraw our rules to ensure businesses thrive, markets are competitive, and consumers are protected
2. Secure investment from UK and international businesses
3. Advise, support, and promote British businesses to grow and export
4. Open up new markets for businesses by removing barriers and striking trade deals
5. Promote free trade, economic security, and resilient supply chains.
The local DBT team supports businesses in the North East through tailored services such as the Export Academy and International Trade Advisers. They have dedicated Advisers who have a wealth of commercial experience along with sector and market knowledge, who work with businesses of all sizes to help them accelerate their international growth ambitions through impartial and tailored advice.
Services
Whether you’re currently trading overseas or are thinking of exporting for the first time, DBT North East provides support and services to help you grow your business overseas with confidence.
You can:
- get tailored information about overseas markets
- access major buyers, governments and supply chains overseas
- join market visits
- seek support and advice as a first time exporter
Exporting is Great
Great.gov.uk is an online resource for businesses that are new to exporting, occasionally export and regularly export. The site offers a range of resources including:
- market research
- customer insights and surveys
- advice on financial products your business can access
- business planning support and templates
- currency and foreign exchange guidelines
- operations and compliance information
- get support to start or grow your UK business
Explore Exporting is Great resources here.
North East Export Academy
The Export Academy, from the Department for Business & Trade, gives small and micro-businesses the know-how to sell to customers around the world with confidence. The free in-depth programme is delivered virtually by international trade specialists. The academy is aimed at a wide range of businesses, whether they sell goods or services, who are:
- new to international trade
- trading overseas, but needing to upskill staff
- trading overseas, but wanting to refresh their knowledge or fill gaps.
What are the benefits?
Businesses who attend the North East Export Academy will:
- gain the knowledge and skills required to trade overseas successfully from international trade experts
- be awarded with a certificate upon graduation
- be guided through an Export Action Plan to position their business for export success
- have access to an enhanced support package upon completion, including a tailored virtual events programme.
Find out more about the Export Academy here.
Export Opportunities Listing
The Department for Business & Trade have combined all current exporting opportunities for UK businesses into one online search platform.
Search thousands of export sales leads and pitch your company to overseas buyers who are looking for products and services like yours. You can also set up email alerts to get a daily summary of matching opportunities.
Find exporting opportunities here.
Meet an International Trade Adviser (ITA)
They have 19 ITAs across the North East region with proven business skills and can give in depth sector and market advice.
ITAs can help with:
- export training
- business planning
- getting contacts in overseas markets
- market research
- market visits
- market promotion and publicity
- export documentation
- e-commerce