Each year, more than 3,000 UK businesses receive Tap grants of up to £1,800 to participate in trade shows abroad. This financial year, grants are available for over 400 trade shows across a range of markets.
They include Drinktec in Munich this September, the ‘Big 5’ construction show in Dubai, an offshore oil & gas show in Brazil, a broadcast media show in Beijing and the Medica life sciences show in Germany. ‘Solo’ Tap grants are also available for companies wishing to exhibit independently at events not listed on the UKTI website.
Under the new rules, the number of grants available to businesses in their lifetime will double to six per company, with the proviso that the company visits at least two different markets. And for businesses that have already benefited from the Tap programme, the slate has been wiped clean, and previously awarded grants will not be taken into account.
Also from 1 April, a new package of support announced by prime minister Gordon Brown has come on-stream. UKTI’s ‘Gateway to Global Growth’ initiative will provide specialist and tailored financial and legal advice to more than 1,200 businesses in the next year to support their growth internationally.
UKTI’s acting chief executive, Dominic Jermey, said: “Breaking into new markets is never easy, but UK Trade & Investment can help to guide firms through to business success. There are great opportunities out there for companies. Our message is that by exporting, you go further.”
UK Trade & Investment is encouraging businesses to register on its website to find out more about the government help on offer.
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