This article was published before we became the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade on 10 July 2024, and this is reflected in references to our old brand and name. For more information about us becoming Chartered, visit our dedicated webpage on the change here.

GovernmentTradeProgrammeBusinessSupport

The Department for International Trade (DIT) has announced details of how exporters can apply for grants to exhibit or attend overseas tradeshows in 2023.

The UK Tradeshow Programme is part of the government’s 12-point strategy to increase exports to £1 trillion by 2030, as promoted by its “Made in the UK, Sold to The World” campaign.

Financial support offered

Support comes in the form of training in how to make the most of attendance at a show and grants to cover costs for firms buying exhibition space, including stand build and promotion.

For those just attending shows, grants are being offered to cover entry costs, travel, and accommodation.

The grants available to exhibitors are between £2-4,000, while for attendees the government is providing up to £200 for shows inside Europe and £400 for shows outside.

SME focus

The DIT has listed upcoming events that can be funded up until February 2023.

This includes Arab Health, Fruit Attractions 2022, PlastIndia and Mobile World Congress.

Exhibitor eligibility

DIT guidance states that applicants must not have previously received support to exhibit from the UK Tradeshow Programme and must:

  • Be exhibiting for the first time or wishing to venture into new markets
  • Be turning over annually between £250,000 to £5m
  • Not have committed to attending the event before applying for support
  • Be actively investigating export opportunities for their own business:
    • Having not previously exported, or
    • Having previously exported and wishing to grow exports in new markets

Attendee eligibility

Applicants must not have previously received any support from the UK Tradeshow Programme and must:

  • Be attending a show for the first time or wishing to venture into new markets
  • Be turning over annually between £85,000 to £250,000
  • Not have committed to attending the event before applying for support
  • Be actively investigating export opportunities for their own business:
    • Having not previously exported, or
    • Having previously exported and wishing to grow exports in new markets

As previously covered in the IOE&IT Daily Update, the UK Tradeshow Programme replaced the Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP) last year.