Local Networks & Support
Before you start to explore international networks and contacts, you might want to think about who’s on your doorstep. Firstly, the KIB partners can offer a wealth of advice and support services including the following:
- Department for International Trade – advice on global markets, training programmes, some limited financial support and access to overseas posts who can help your business. DIT also run informative export related webinars. You can access these by clicking on the link on the right side of this page.
- Enterprise Europe Network – help for companies with high growth potential with innovating for international markets and partner finding in mainland Europe and beyond. View the Abbaltis case study on the right to see how EEN can help or please click here to see a Youtube video on how Nim’s Fruit Crisps received assistance through the ‘Innovate to Succeed’ programme.
- Kent Invicta Chamber – export documentation and customs support and training.
- Boost4Health – travel grants for Life Science companies and access to European Life Science clusters and contacts.
- ISE Project – connections to companies in Belgium, France and the Netherlands in certain sectors, market visits and 121 internationalisation assessments.
Organisations such as the China British Business Council or the India British Business Council can offer country-specific advice.
Professional Services in Kent: your bank, accountant or law firm may well have international connections and expertise that can help you with your export activity.
You might want to think about peer to peer support. Are there companies you know locally who might already be active in your target markets? They might have some tips to share. Look out for local sector-focused events and activities where you can discuss exporting with fellow Kent businesses. There might even be possibilities to work together or collaborate on overseas opportunities.
