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International Trade Support for West Oxfordshire Businesses

Whether you're exploring new markets or adapting to post-Brexit regulations, international trade offers exciting opportunities—and challenges—for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in West Oxfordshire. This guide brings together key resources, expert advice, and local support to help your business thrive in global markets. 

Getting Started with Importing and Exporting 

Trading internationally can unlock new revenue streams, diversify your customer base, and strengthen your supply chain. However, it requires careful planning and compliance with customs regulations. 

‘Help to grow’ is the government's guide to operating and selling overseas with export support for businesses 

The Department for Business and Trade can help your business find new opportunities, get country-specific advice, access specialist exporting training, and much more here: 

Selling overseas - Help to Grow 

Prepare your business to operate in an export market 

Prepare your business to operate in an export market

Local Support from Enterprise Oxfordshire 

Enterprise Oxfordshire provide fully funded support for businesses at every stage of their import/export journey. Services include: 

  • One-to-one advice from trade specialists 
  • Export readiness workshops 
  • Peer networking and mentoring 
  • Help navigating Brexit-related changes  

 Enterprise Oxfordshire Business Support Tool Business Support Tool - OxLEP Business 


Post-Brexit Trade Strategy and Government Support 

The UK Government’s 2025 Trade Strategy aims to simplify global trade for SMEs by: 

  • Expanding UK Export Finance (UKEF) to £80 billion 
  • Launching the Small Export Builder for insurance and finance 
  • Reducing red tape through mutual recognition of qualifications 
  • Strengthening trade defence tools to protect UK industries  

UK Government Trade Strategy Overview

The UK's Trade Strategy Policy Paper

Workshops and Export Planning Tools 

OxLEP’s “Unlocking Your Export Potential” programme offers practical workshops to help SMEs: 

  • Build a tailored export plan 
  • Understand international market research 
  • Adapt products/services for global demand 
  • Navigate logistics, pricing, and legal risks  

OxLEP Export Success Guide 


Other resources 

Southern England Export provides contacts hailing from various sectors across the South of England, committed to expanding their exports and have made a commitment to help other businesses in doing the same. They play a key role in the newly elected government’s key mission to foster sustained economic growth, which benefits 
everyone in the UK. SER Export Champions Brochure 24/25 

The Innovation Hub Support and Funding Exporting | the innovation hub 


Need Help Now? 

If you're unsure where to begin or facing specific challenges, please contact the Economic Development Team and we will aim to help you [email protected]