What is the UK Export Academy
The UK Export Academy gives businesses the knowledge and expertise to export. Learning directly from experts at the Department for International Trade, this free programme will help businesses to grow their international sales.
Why Export
Research has shown that businesses are 11% more likely to survive if they export. The reasons for this range from spreading risk amongst different markets, to boosting turnover and improving innovation due to the requirement to develop products for specific markets.
Meet the Team
The region consists of the counties of Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Black Country, Birmingham, Solihull, Coventry and Worcestershire.
Mark Burkett - Export Academy Adviser
Mark has worked with UK companies in the export department for over 30 years. Initially within a Unilever company and then for the past 20 years running his own businesses. Having gained a wealth of experience in the export field, Mark is well-qualified to offer practical insight into exporting.
Raj Theper - Export Academy Adviser
Raj has nearly 20 years of experience in delivering advice, guidance and coaching support to businesses across the UK working with hundreds of businesses across many different sectors to successfully develop and execute their growth strategies.
Robin - Export Academy Adviser
Robin has a wealth of business knowledge working within several blue chip and independent businesses, as well as running his own enterprises for 20 years, both in the UK and France where he gained valuable import and export experience.
The DIT West Midlands Export Academy Programme is led by a range of experts, including DIT Trade Advisors, industry leaders and external specialists.
The programme includes:
- 10 core modules, which are repeated frequently, on the foundations of exporting. Topics include: Market research, Pricing strategy, Routes to market, Understanding incoterms, Understanding custom procedures, tariffs and export controls and Movement of money.
- A wide range of one-off value add events. Previous topics include: Selling on Amazon, Leadership for International Trade, Build an International Digital Strategy, Internationalising your Website, Creating a Commercial Invoice, Blogging for Business and so much more.
- 1-2-1 sessions with export experts to answer your questions from the programme's core modules and to help ensure that your export strategy factors in all the key considerations.
- Regional roundtable sessions to meet other companies in your county and learn from their experiences.
The programme is suitable for companies focused on both goods and/or services and is an unmissable opportunity for companies who want to make exporting part of their business growth plan and pro-actively sell internationally.
Whether you are completely new to exporting or already have your first order from an international client, this programme will provide you with the knowledge and confidence to begin your company’s journey into international markets.
Contact us / register now
Address: Suite 304, Avix Business Centre, 42-46 Hagley Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B16 8PE, West Midlands
Phone: (+44) 0345 222 0159
Email: info@tradewm.co.uk
On-demand Streaming Service
Get inspired to Export, watch FREE video workshops to support you in growing your business internationally via our on-demand streaming service.
Client Testimonials
Reality - "Not only we are attending workshops, but we are also getting support for some advisors, both in the UK as well as abroad, in the embassies of the countries of interest to us.
I have learned some interesting notions on how to make effective presentations, as well as I have exchanged ideas with other participants to the workshop. I’m sure that what I’ve learned will help me in achieving my objectives, supporting my company in our export activities. I have also suggested to some members of my team to attend similar workshops in the future.
Focus on the workshop itself and be proactive during the session. You get more out of it if you give more to it."
Leading Edge - "Our contact at DIT is always on hand if we have any questions regarding exports, notifying us o workshops or webinars that may be of interest or grants that are available.
The last digital workshop I attended (Growth Hubs & DIT) I found extremely informative. There was a huge amount of content covered ranging from social media to Google Analytics to how to internationalise your website. Some of the course was a nice refresher on all things ‘digital marketing’ combined with useful tips for social channels and ways to improve websites.
Take advantage of the experienced workshop leaders and their knowledge of the industry, ask lots of questions and attend any follow ups they offer –hugely beneficial!"
The Shropshire Distillery – “Since being referred to the Export Academy, the company have been signposted to a number of workshops and webinars to increase their exporting knowledge.
The Shropshire Gin Co. have also benefitted from assistance from DIT Europe, DIT USA and 1:1 support from cluster advisers and Export Academy advisers within the West Midlands.
This workshop has helped to reduce some of my performance anxiety by giving me tools to improve my confidence. I will enjoy practicing what I've learnt to maximise the opportunities at the virtual Meet the Buyer event next month”.