Going global delivers growth at home

Exporting is one of the most powerful ways for UK businesses to grow. It opens the door to new customers, new revenue and greater resilience. And businesses do not have to do it alone. Whether you are taking your first steps into international markets or looking to expand your existing presence overseas, the right support can help you identify opportunities, overcome challenges, and build confidence.

A single door to global growth

For the first time, the UK Government has integrated its support for businesses in a single, accessible place – the Business Growth Service (BGS) – making it easier for firms across the UK to access the help they need to start, scale and succeed internationally. The BGS’s digital front door, business.gov.uk, has already seen over one million users.

From tailored market advice and free Business Academy training to UK Export Finance and our on-the-ground network around the world, we are making it easier for businesses to navigate global markets, seize opportunities, and build resilience. This is growth policy in action: giving businesses in every part of the country, from coastal towns to city centres, the tools to compete on the world stage.

Available tools and resources include market guides, trade and investment factsheets, overseas business risk information and practical tools covering customs, duties, rules of origin and export procedures. Together, these resources can help businesses research potential markets, understand regulatory requirements and prepare to export with confidence.

For businesses that still have questions, the BGS also provides a route to tailored guidance, market insight and in-market expertise.

Opening doors, not just providing directions

Support alone is not enough. Businesses can only make the most of export opportunities if they can access the markets they want to sell to. Removing barriers to trade therefore sits alongside export support as two halves of the same growth story: one gives businesses the tools to export, the other ensures there is an open door for them to walk through when they do.

Free Trade agreements (FTAs) are one mechanism that turns this ambition into practical opportunity for exporters. Through FTAs, businesses can benefit from tariff reductions, improved market access, and enhanced protections in investment and digital trade, creating greater certainty – exactly what exporters need to make international growth possible. But an agreement only delivers if businesses know how to use it. That is why BIST has developed practical guides to help firms understand what the UK’s FTAs mean for them – and how to make the most of the opportunities now available. These guides are designed to turn newly in-force agreements into practical opportunities, showing businesses what the changes mean for their sector and how they can benefit, wherever they are based.

For example, sector and market guides for Canada and Mexico explain how businesses can use CPTPP now that it is in force between the UK and these two economies. Businesses already exporting to these markets may find new advantages, while those considering expansion can better understand how the agreement supports their plans.

The UK-India FTA presents another major opportunity. India is one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies and the agreement aims to make trade easier, quicker and more predictable for UK businesses. BIST has published policy and sector-specific guides covering a range of topics including rules of origin, customs procedures, and sector opportunities.

Businesses trading with India, Canada or Mexico should check the relevant guides and determine whether the agreements offer benefits they are not yet using. Those that previously faced barriers may find that FTAs have helped address some of those challenges. And for businesses that have not yet considered exporting to these markets, the guides can provide valuable insights into commercial opportunities and how the agreements may make exporting more competitive.

Government support does not end when an agreement enters into force. If companies encounter overseas rules, regulations or practices that make exporting difficult, they can report trade barriers to government, helping ensure FTAs keep delivering real benefits over time.

Take the next step at International Trade Week

From 9-13 November 2026, join thousands of UK businesses for an action-packed week of events designed to help you unlock international growth opportunities. International Trade Week 2026 will bring together successful exporters, industry leaders, trade experts and government specialists to provide the insights, connections and practical support needed to succeed in global markets.

You will gain expert advice, discover new market opportunities, hear inspiring success stories, and connect with organisations ready to support your growth journey. Do not miss the UK’s flagship export event and the opportunity to realise your export potential. Explore the full programme and register for events at International Trade Week 2026.

Whether you are new to exporting or ready to accelerate your international growth, now is the time to act: explore the support available, make the most of opportunities in key growth markets such as India, Canada and Mexico, and take the next step towards reaching new customers around the world.

Key takeaways

• The UK Government has consolidated all business export support into the Business Growth Service (BGS), accessible at business.gov.uk, which has already had over one million users.
• BGS provides market guides, trade factsheets, overseas business risk information, and tools covering customs, duties, rules of origin and export procedures.
• The UK’s free trade agreements with India, Canada and Mexico (via CPTPP) offer UK businesses tariff reductions, improved market access and enhanced protections in investment and digital trade.
• BIST has published practical sector and market guides to help businesses understand what each FTA means for them and how to benefit from newly in-force agreements.
• International Trade Week 2026 runs from 9-13 November and brings together exporters, industry leaders, trade experts and government specialists – businesses can register at the official programme.

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