Overseas buyers line up to listen to the propaganda of small British exporters on the new government roadshow
Small businesses in northeast England are preparing to showcase their products and services to buyers from around the world as the government “made in the UK, sold to the world” export roadshow will be launched this week in Blyth, Northumberland.
The event is the first of eight plans across the UK and will meet with UK exporters in nearly 100 buyers in 19 overseas markets including South Korea, Mexico, India, Poland and Germany, with a special focus on clean energy companies. The Roadshow series will also visit Belfast, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Cardiff, aiming to connect small businesses with international markets faster and more effectively.
“Through these roadshows, the government is focused on supporting key growth sectors, enabling small businesses to connect with the market, seize export opportunities and expand,” said Gareth Thomas, Minister of Services, Small Business and Export.
Each roadshow will focus on different industries, with upcoming events dedicated to advanced manufacturing, life sciences and financial services. In Bryce, along with international buyers, 30 business officials in the UK embassy and consulate will be advised and contacted for free.
Among those attending the event was Alex Marshall, Group Business Development Director at Clarke Energy, a gas generator manufacturer. Marshall, who also serves as the government’s export champion, welcomed the initiative: “The event is a great place to discuss the latest international trends and export opportunities of British businesses in the clean energy sector.”
In addition to direct meetings, the roadshow will include workshops and seminars led by the government-supported UK Export Academy, providing practical guidance for areas such as market research and routes to market.
Despite the great government support, recent data suggest that small businesses still face challenges in exports. A 2024 study by the Ministry of Commerce and Trade found that only 18% of businesses earned more than £500,000, which was considered experts in exports last year, down from 24% of the previous year.
Exporters interested in participating in the upcoming roadshow can register their interest through the official website of the Commerce and Trade Department.
