Solve Challenges. Unlock Growth.

The Growth Lab brings together the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade's (BIST's) Business Growth Advisers (BGAs), export specialists and support organisations in one dedicated space, making it easier to access the guidance you need without having to navigate the business support landscape alone.

You will have the opportunity to discuss your business goals, explore barriers to growth and receive tailored recommendations from experts who understand the realities of growing a business internationally.

About the specialists
 

British Chambers of Commerce (BCC)
The British Chambers of Commerce provides access to a trusted business network with 51 accredited Chambers across the UK and a presence in more than 70 international markets. Chambers help businesses start, grow and export by providing local support, market knowledge, trade services, policy expertise and global connections. Whether you are exploring a new market or developing an international strategy, we can connect you with the right advice and opportunities.
 

Business Growth Advisors (BIST)
Business Growth Advisers (BGAs) help ambitious businesses identify growth opportunities, overcome challenges and access the right support. They provide tailored advice on business development, productivity, market expansion and export readiness. BGAs can also connect businesses to government-backed programmes, finance, innovation support and specialist expertise to help them grow successfully in the UK and international markets.
 

Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade
The Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade empowers UK organisations and equips individuals with the expertise to trade compliantly, sustainably and commercially.

We build expertise and collaborate with UK and international partners, regulators and stakeholders to facilitate the acknowledged mutual benefits of free, legitimate, and frictionless international trade.

We provide a range of membership levels, qualifications, training and advisory services to help you and your team succeed in international trade.
 

Diplomatic Advisory Hub (DAH)
The Diplomatic Advisory Hub connects businesses with trusted market intelligence and geopolitical insight from the UK’s diplomatic network. Delivered in partnership with the FCDO and the British Chambers of Commerce, the Hub provides expert advice on overseas markets, investment opportunities and international risks. It helps businesses make informed decisions, identify opportunities and expand internationally with greater confidence.
 

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce (GMCC)
Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce is the largest Chamber of Commerce in the UK, representing over 3,500 members and connecting businesses across Greater Manchester and beyond.

As a not-for-profit organisation, GMCC supports businesses of all sizes and sectors to connect, grow and succeed through networking, business introductions, events, professional support and international trade services.

Through its international trade expertise, business network and access to global connections, GMCC helps businesses navigate international trade, explore new markets and develop their global ambitions. Members can also benefit from dedicated Relationship Manager support to identify relevant opportunities, build strategic relationships and make the most of the wider business community.

Whether a business is exploring exporting for the first time or looking to grow its existing international presence, GMCC helps connect businesses with the knowledge, support and relationships they need to move forward.
 

Greater Manchester Growth Hub 
The International Growth team at GM Business Growth Hub supports Greater Manchester businesses to grow internationally through fully funded expert advice, global market insights, trade opportunities and specialist programmes. We help businesses build the confidence, capability and connections needed to succeed in overseas markets.
 

Help to Grow: Management 
Dan Bassett is a Head of Marketing and Communications for Help to Grow: Management, supporting the programme’s work to help SME leaders strengthen their businesses and unlock sustainable growth.

An experienced B2B marketing leader, Dan has worked across technology, SaaS and professional services, leading brand, growth and commercial marketing strategies for organisations including IMP Software, Equiniti and brandtale, his own marketing agency.

Dan is particularly interested in how growing businesses can use stronger commercial strategy, marketing and leadership to create sustainable growth, build resilient organisations and realise new opportunities.

Intellectual Property Office (IPO)
The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is the official UK government body responsible for intellectual property (IP) rights including patents, designs, trade marks and copyright.

King's Awards for Enterprise Office (BIST)
Discover the King’s Awards for Enterprise, the UK’s most prestigious business awards, celebrating outstanding achievement in Innovation, International Trade, Sustainable Development, Promoting Opportunity (through social mobility) and Young Founder. 

Open to organisations of all sizes and sectors, a King’s Award can raise your profile, strengthen your credibility, boost staff pride and open doors to new customers and markets. Recipients are invited to a Royal reception, receive their award from their local Lord-Lieutenant and may use the prestigious King’s Awards emblem for five years. Visit the King’s Awards team, explore the five award categories and find out how your organisation could join the next generation of award-winning UK businesses.
 

Local and International Growth (LIG) Team (BIST)
The LIG team works across the UK to help businesses start, grow and succeed in domestic and international markets. By combining local business insight, government expertise and strong regional partnerships, LIG identifies growth opportunities, connects businesses with support, and helps shape policies that drive economic growth, investment and exports.

Working closely with businesses, local authorities, regional partners and government teams, LIG helps create the conditions for sustainable growth, stronger local economies and increased prosperity across the UK.
 

Santander UK
Trading internationally can unlock growth, strengthen resilience and open new markets. But it can also bring added cost, complexity, and risk. That’s where Santander can help. Our global network and local expertise can help you navigate those challenges and make the most of opportunities overseas.

We take the time to understand your business, your growth ambitions and where you want to go next. And we will work with you to find the right solution. Our expertise spans sectors including food and drink, retail and wholesale, manufacturing, transport and logistics, life sciences, and technology, media and telecoms.

Whether you’re exploring your first international market or growing your global presence, we’re here to help you take the next step with confidence.
 

Teesside Digital Trade Testbed 
The Teesside Digital Trade Testbed is the UK's first real-world environment for testing, validating and deploying cutting-edge digital trade solutions.

Located at Teesside International Airport and backed by £3.5m in Freeport Seed Capital, the Testbed is transforming how goods, data and services move across borders - making trade faster, safer and more sustainable.

UK Export Finance (UKEF)
UK Export Finance (UKEF) is the UK’s export credit agency and a ministerial government department. UKEF exists to ensure that no viable UK export fails for lack of finance or insurance, while operating at no net cost to the taxpayer. It partners with private sector finance providers to grow UK exports and international trade. In 2025/2026, UKEF provided £11 billion in new financing, helping 616 UK SMEs and supporting up to 85,000 jobs.