As the value of the pound begins to return to a competitive level, international trading opportunities are being increasingly sought after by UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Last month alone, Business Link’s online UK Trade and Tariff tool received a record 30,000 visits, suggesting that the improving exchange rate has sparked renewed increased interest in exporting.

Trading internationally is a powerful way for UK businesses to thrive and grow, by expanding into new markets and enhancing their customer base. Business Link, in partnership with UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), can help businesses in Hertfordshire explore the significant opportunities exporting may afford them. By visiting www.businesslink.gov.uk/tradetariff or calling 08457 17 16 15, businesses can access information on goods classification, duty and excise rates, government controls and commodity descriptions.

Michelle Mone, entrepreneur and founder of Ultimo Bras has been exporting her products for years. She said: “Why let borders inhibit your business? The market is starting to regain strength and the pound is at a competitive rate, so it’s a great time to explore the possibility of exporting and how this could enhance your business. Business Link is an excellent resource for helping manage the complexities of international trade, from the basics of starting up through to getting paid and managing risk.”

Pat Smith, Chief Executive of Business Link in the East of England said: “Business Link, in partnership with UK Trade and Investment, can help businesses in Hertfordshire to succeed internationally. Our free UK Trade Tariff tool makes it much easier for businesses to find information about overseas trade; information, which up until now, would have been accessed through purchasing and updating large paper-based directories. In addition, Business Link and UKTI Advisers can help exporters, new and current, to make the most of current economic conditions to boost overseas revenues.”

Business Link’s UK Trade Tariff tool can be accessed by visiting www.businesslink.gov.uk/tradetariff. The site also includes a wealth of information on how to target suppliers and markets abroad, and how to deal with the practicalities of trading with China, India, the United States and the European Union.

About Business Link in the East of England:

Business Link provides information, practical advice and support to help people to start, run or grow their businesses

Our clients fall in to two main categories:

-Those running or working in established small and medium sized businesses

-Those who want to start their own business

Both client groups can access independent, impartial and, in most instances, free help and support from Business Link in the form of:

-Free one-to-one help from an experienced Business Adviser (established businesses) or Enterprise Awareness Manager (start-ups)

-Workshops and briefings on a range of business subjects such as business planning, sales and marketing, legislation, developing people

-Telephone and online support through our Regional Information and Intelligence centre

Business Link in the East of England works with businesses and entrepreneurs in the 6 counties in the East of England: Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk

Business Link is a government initiative to promote enterprise, funded in the East of England by the East of England Development Agency

About UK Trade and Industry:

-UK Trade and Investment helps UK companies succeed in international markets and assists overseas companies to bring high quality investment to the UK.

-For further information contact: 0845 641 9955 or visit www.eei-online.com