Who can I contact for export support?
Who can help with my export-related enquiry?
As businesses continue to face many export-related challenges at the moment and a number of support services are available, this short guide lets you know who it’s best to contact to help with you queries.
An overview of the different export-support providers:
There are a number of key organisations involved in providing direct support and advice to Kent businesses with international trade under the ‘Kent International Business’ (KIB) umbrella including:
- The Department for International Trade
- Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce
- The Enterprise Europe Network team at the University of Greenwich
- Kent County Council’s Trade Development team
Find out more on the KIB website:
https://www.kentinternationalbusiness.co.uk/support/
https://www.kentinternationalbusiness.co.uk/home/kent-export-pathway/
General international trade advice and signposting:
The Kent & Medway Growth Hub Helpline is the one-stop shop for business advice and guidance. The team of advisors can help with enquiries ranging from starting a business to dealing with export paperwork. The team has access to specialist advisors with experience in international trade.
https://www.kentandmedwaygrowthhub.org.uk/
03333 602 300
General Export Enquiries (market and sector-specific):
Businesses can also contact the Department for International Trade (DIT) South East’s enquiry hub via 0330 300 0012 or info@tradesoutheast.com for help with general export enquiries and referrals to complementary DIT local and national programmes. DIT also has a number specialist International Trade Advisors available to help Kent businesses with exporting.
Specific EU trade-related queries:
The Government has recently launched a dedicated hotline and online service for UK exporters with specific queries relating to trade with the EU which can be accessed via https://www.gov.uk/ask-export-support-team. The hotline is designed to bring together expertise and advice from different government departments including DIT, DEFRA and BEIS.
Please click here to download a pdf summarising the offer from the new hotline.
Help with Export Documentation & Customs:
Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce has a specialist team who can help businesses with the paperwork required to export goods from the UK.
https://www.kentinvictachamber.co.uk/our-services/international-export-bcc-accredited/
EU Partnerships & Collaborations:
The Innovate UK Edge team at the University of Greenwich is still part of Enterprise Europe Network and can provide assistance to firms with contact finding in EU markets and access to innovation funding.
https://enterprise.gre.ac.uk/funding-and-support/enterprise-europe-network
Trading Goods with the EU:
Kent County Council’s website has a range of information about doing business with the EU including details on import and export guidance and rules.
