Where can I get help with exporting?
I’m looking to export my products or services, who can help?
There are a number of key organisations involved in providing direct support and advice to Kent businesses with international trade under the ‘Kent International Business’ (KIB) umbrella including:
- The Department for International Trade
- Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce
- Kent County Council’s Trade Development team
- The Innovate UK Edge team at the University of Greenwich
See further details by clicking to view our support pages.
The main support organisations and programmes available to help Kent businesses with all aspects of international trade are summarised below:
- International Diagnostics & strategy
- Tradeshow access support
- Overseas market exploration & insight
- Overseas posts network
- Webinars and training
- Export documentation / paperwork
- Export training (customs procedures, certifications, INCO terms etc.)
- Access to International Chamber network
- Innovate UK Edge (incorporating Enterprise Europe Network)
- B2B matchmaking & partnering
- Global Business Missions
- Tech transfer
- Support for Life Science companies
- International trade shows
- French marketing support
- Webinars & training
Find out more about the IMPULS project’s services by clicking here.
- Virtual trade missions
- Malaysia, UAE, Canada, Vietnam
- Digital & Creative
- Food & Drink
- Life Sciences
Find out more about the SEED project’s services by clicking here.
Want to speak to someone?
General international trade advice and signposting:
The Kent & Medway Growth Hub Helpline is the one-stop shop for business advice and guidance. The team of advisors can help with enquiries ranging from starting a business to dealing with export paperwork. The team has access to specialist advisors with experience in international trade.
Please click here to visit the Kent & Medway Growth Hub homepage 03333 602 300
General Export Enquiries (market and sector-specific):
Businesses can also contact the Department for International Trade (DIT) South East’s enquiry hub via 0330 300 0012 or info@tradesoutheast.com for help with general export enquiries and referrals to complementary DIT local and national programmes. DIT also has a number specialist International Trade Advisors available to help Kent businesses with exporting.
Specific EU trade-related queries:
The Government’s dedicated hotline and online service for UK exporters with specific queries relating to trade with the EU can be accessed via Please click here to visit the ESS website. The hotline is designed to bring together expertise and advice from different government departments including DIT, DEFRA and BEIS.
Trading Goods with the EU:
Kent County Council’s website has a range of information about doing business with the EU including details on import and export guidance and rules.
Please click here to visit the KCC pages on doing business with the EU
Professional services in Kent:
Your accountant, bank and law firm should also be able to help with different international trade queries.
Latest information and guidance for businesses trading with Ukraine or Russia
The Department for International Trade (DIT) has expanded the Export Support Service (ESS) to act as a single point of enquiry for businesses and traders with questions relating to the situation in Ukraine and Russia. Please click here to visit the ESS website, or call the helpline on 0300 303 8955. It is currently operational daily, including weekends: 8am to 10pm.