UK businesses are being encouraged to unlock their exporting
potential and sell to the world as International Trade Secretary
launches the inaugural
International Trade Week, which starts today [Monday 15
November].
Throughout the week, the Department for International Trade (DIT)
will host over 100 events and workshops all over the UK to
support and encourage businesses to explore their expansion into
international markets. From London to Edinburgh and Cardiff to
Belfast, events will connect businesses of all sizes and sectors
with expert trade advisors, Parliamentarians and
Ministers.
The Minister for Exports, will be launching a new
“Made in the UK, Sold to the World” campaign with
Mayor Street at International Trade Week’s headline event
in Birmingham. The campaign will champion local export
success stories and promote opportunities in international
markets to take advantage of the global demand for the high
quality goods the UK is known for.
Over 6.5 million jobs in the UK are supported by exports
and research shows that exporters pay higher wages, are
on average 21% more productive, and tend to be more resilient,
innovative, and profitable. However, many businesses across the
UK are yet to take the plunge and aren’t sure how to start
selling their products overseas.
International Trade Secretary said:
“The UK makes some of the best products in the world, but only 1
in 10 businesses currently export them around the world. I want
this International Trade Week to be a catalyst for businesses to
sell to new markets and take advantage of the trade deals we are
negotiating.
“My department has a clear message to any business thinking about
exporting for the first time. There has never been a better time
to export.”
“Our industry experts in Trade and Investment Hubs around the UK
and based around the world will stand shoulder to shoulder and
give you the support you need to take the next step on your
exporting journey and sell to the world.”
13 businesses from all over the UK have been selected to front
the “Made in the UK, Sold to the World” campaign and
the International Trade Secretary will visit one of them, Crep
Protect, to celebrate the launch.
This sneaker care business, founded by three brothers from London
in 2013, now exports to 52 countries and employs almost 100
people. Not only are they supplying Foot Locker and JD
Sports, they’ve partnered with one of the most
recognisable sports leagues in the world, the NBA, and have DJ
Khaled as a brand ambassador.
Rizwan Ahmed, Co-Founder and Owner at Crep Protect
said:
“We are proud that Crep Protect, has grown from a London based
business into an international brand which now sells to the
world. Having built our premium sneaker care brand within the UK,
we wanted to share our passion for sneakers and innovation with
international markets, who could also benefit from our products
and services.
“Much of our growth in the last eight years has come through
building relationships with key retailers and our award-winning
marketing. Our international sales account for 65% of our revenue
and have helped turn a passion for sneaker care into a global
brand.
“We wanted to be part of the “Made in the UK, Sold to the World”
campaign to help inspire other small business owners to think
big; and we are excited to see billboards highlighting Crep
Protect’s growth go live this week.”
Exports are central to the government’s ambition to level up
every part of the UK and help businesses build back better, which
is why exporters who get involved with this campaign will have
access to marketing materials specific to
their hometown or region.
With International Trade Advisors and sector specialists
stationed around the country, DIT has the expertise to support
new and experienced exporters on their international
journey.
The UK has already agreed trade deals with 69 countries plus the
EU and has an ambitious programme of negotiations to build
relationships with our trading partners, reduce market access
barriers and help UK businesses take advantage of these
opportunities.
