A roadshow which aims to match SMEs with international buyers and markets will visit Cardiff in June.
The Made in the UK, Sold to the World roadshows have been designed to directly connect international buyers with SME exporters ready to seize the opportunity to grow their businesses.
Each event in the series will be aligned to one of the eight key growth driving sectors outlined in the UK Government's Industrial Strategy. Highlighted sectors include clean energy, advanced manufacturing, technology, life sciences, digital and technology, and financial services.
The roadshows kicked off in Blyth with a focus on clean energy.
The roadshow timeline is:
· Birmingham: Advanced Manufacturing – 15 May 2025
· Cardiff: Technology – 13 June 2025
· Oxford: Life Sciences – 16 July 2025
· Belfast: Digital and Technology – 11 September 2025
· Edinburgh: Financial Services – 25 September 2025
Other events in Liverpool and London are planned for the autumn.
Gareth Thomas, Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports, said:
“Maximising the UK’s export potential is crucial to achieving our Plan for Change, by creating good jobs with high wages, raising productivity, and boosting the economy.
“Through these roadshows, the government is focusing on supporting key growth sectors, making it quicker and easier for smaller businesses to connect with markets, grasp export opportunities and expand.”
All roadshow events will provide opportunities for delegates to meet with domestic and international Commercial Officers, who will be on hand to offer expert support and advice on specific products, markets, and export opportunities.
There will also be a designated advice zone for SMEs to learn about wider export support services offered by the Department for Business and Trade, as well as those provided by other public sectors partners like regional Growth Hubs, and trusted private sector providers like the Chambers of Commerce, Federation of Small Business, UKEF and MAKE UK.
A range of workshops and seminars on topical issues such as ‘conducting market research’ and ‘routes to market’ will take place throughout the day, led by the UK Export Academy. Several of these will feature DBT Export Champions who will speak of their own experiences in target markets.
