Import & Export Support for Businesses

Get importing and exporting support for your business in York and North Yorkshire.

Importing and exporting into new markets can be a daunting step for any business but international trade can be an excellent way to grow your business and diversify your proposition.

It is important to plan and do your research into market expansion. This will allow you to look at the possibilities, create an export plan and set targets that will enable you to keep on track.

Our team can put you in contact with trusted international trade experts and resources, as well as provide advice on key areas including regulations, finances, language and cultural considerations.

The Department for Business & Trade (DBT) offer importing and exporting support

Through its “Made in the UK, Sold to the World” export campaign, the Department for Business & Trade (DBT) is committed to helping UK businesses, signposting them to the support they need to seize international trade opportunities.

Information on the mixture of online and in person support available for first time exporters and those looking to expand into new international markets is available at www.great.gov.uk.

Logo for the 'Made in the UK, Sold to the world' campaign by the Department for Business & Trade.

Local export support

Through the DBT’s Yorkshire and the Humber regional office, you can gain access to International Trade Advisors (ITAs) who are both sector and exporting specialists. They help you get ready to export, identify target export markets, assess market readiness and review barriers to entry. ITAs also help you to get in front of potential customers and partners by working with DBT’s international network, conducting trade missions and attending trade shows.

The advice and support from an ITA is free. To discuss working with one, you can find the contact details of your local DBT Yorkshire and the Humber office at: www.great.gov.uk/contact/office-finder/

Support from the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub

Wherever you are in your business journey and regardless of the sector that you operate in, we can provide free importing and exporting support aimed at helping you to succeed. If you would like to speak with one of our advisors about the wide range of support available, please contact us.

Articles

Accessing Capital for Growth 

Gaining access to outside investment means you don’t have to give up on your dream. So how do you prove to any potential investor that your business model is worth investing in. What information will they need from you? What timescales are involved and what are the likely costs/cash flow implications.  Who are you and

Steps into Digital: Data Analytics for Smarter Decisions Workshop Series

This nine part workshop series is designed to help businesses at every stage of their data journey from those just starting out to those ready to explore artificial intelligence and compliance. Each session is practical, jargon free and grounded in real business use cases, ensuring participants leave with tools and knowledge they can apply immediately.

Farm Diversification: Where to start

According to DEFRA, 71% of farm businesses in 2023/24 have some form of diversified activity, up from 61% in 2014/15. Income from these activities produced £1.393 billion in 23/24, up from £1.321 in the previous year. This demonstrates  how important  these income streams have become.

Events

02nd September 20257:00 pm - 9:00 pmFREE

🟢 Strive Live Start-up Incubator: September 2025

If you are currently running or looking to launch a start-up based in York & North Yorkshire, join this award-winning incubator designed to help grassroots entrepreneurs launch their business. Strive Live blends weekly live online training with regular one-to-one advice and on-demand online learning to make it simple and exciting to start a business. Plus, you could win up to £2,500 in micro grants at the end of the programme.

02nd September 202511:00 am - 12:00 pmFREE

🟢 Online Workshops: Digital Marketing Success Series (Beginner)

This online weekly workshop series, Louise Mason of Your Marketing Specialist will guide you through the basics of digital marketing and on to more advanced strategies – all at your pace, with the same supportive group of peers by your side. Confidently Step into Digital Marketing – No Matter Where You’re Starting From

Resources

Business Basics Series Part 2: Webinar Recordings & Blogs

These resources provide a guide to key subjects such as tax, pricing and all things numbers. Jo Tomlinson is a qualified Management Accountant, certified QuickBooks Advanced ProAdvisor, Making Tax Digital ProAdvisor and 1 of only 11 Certified QuickBooks Trainers’ that work on behalf of QuickBooks, training accountants across the UK.