London Heathrow Airport has partnered with the UK’s Department for International Trade (DIT) to launch its World of Opportunity program, which will award £2,000 (US$2,555) to 20 British SMEs to fund vital trade missions and research.
As part of the partnership, DIT will provide mentoring guidance from an international trade advisor to help their research and missions and promote the competition. Successful applicants will also receive a Plaza Premium lounge pass to begin their trip in style.
A panel of business experts including Lord Deighton, chairman of Heathrow Airport; DIT’s Keith Moses, international trade advisor, DIT; and Maisha Frost, small business correspondent, Daily Express, will select the 20 grant recipients among the list of applicants.
John Holland-Kaye, CEO, London Heathrow, said, “As the UK’s gateway to the world and its biggest port by value, Heathrow wants to do all it can to help British businesses spread their products around the globe and grow international trade.
“We are delighted to be launching our World of Opportunity SME grants program in partnership with the DIT’s Exporting is GREAT campaign, to help our SMEs succeed and show the world that Britain is open for business.”
Liam Fox, UK’s international trade secretary, said, “Heathrow plays an important role in supporting UK businesses to reach international markets. Building on our partnership, I’m pleased that as international economic department, through the Exporting is GREAT campaign, we will work with Heathrow on this important program that will help small businesses up and down the country to access new markets. We will continue to work together to not only promote exports from the airport but also the UK as an attractive place to invest in.”