Heathrow has awarded 20 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) funding and support packages to encourage them to export their goods or services to new international markets.
Working in partnership with the Department for International Trade’s (DIT) ‘Exporting is GREAT’ campaign, SMEs will receive £2,000 (US$2,559) each to fund trade missions or to research global markets of their choice. Through the World of Opportunity program they will have access to personalized advice from a DIT international trade adviser and a Plaza Premium lounge pass as they depart from Heathrow.
John Holland-Kaye, CEO of Heathrow, said, “As the UK’s gateway to the world and its biggest port by value, Heathrow is essential in getting British goods and services to international markets. From beauty products to specialist tires, snow sport instructors to architects, Heathrow and the Department for International Trade are boosting the growth of a unique mix of British goods and services.
“With the World of Opportunity program, we are showing the world the breadth of talent and opportunity from all across the nations and regions of the UK. Demonstrating that, once again, Britain’s gateway is open to business.”
The World of Opportunity program was open from June 16-July 14 of this year. Over 290 applications were received and the winning entries were chosen by a panel of experts including Heathrow chairman Lord Deighton, DIT’s international trade adviser Keith Moses, and Daily Express small business correspondent Maisha Frost.
Among the winners are architects AWW, based in Bristol, Plymouth and London, who will be going to the Philippines on the Green Energy Technology Trade Mission; the British Association of Snowsport Instructors based in Scotland, who will exhibit at the World Winter Sports Expo in Beijing, China; and Northern Ireland’s Glastry Farm Ice Cream, which will look for consumers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Mark Garnier, international trade minister, said, “The UK has some of the most innovative and ambitious small businesses that have helped exports increase by 11.4% over the last year. It’s clear the potential to export our goods and services is out there, and as an international economic department, we will support businesses through partner schemes, like this with Heathrow and our international campaigns including Exporting is GREAT, to make the most of opportunities as we leave the EU.”