At Strong & Herd, we often remind businesses: before you begin exporting, make sure you can answer a simple question: why do you want to export?

The benefits of exporting:

Access to new markets

Exporting enables businesses to reach customers they could not otherwise access by trading internationally, rather than solely within the UK. Entering new markets not only increases sales potential but also helps spread risk.  Exporting can provide balance by diversifying revenue sources more effectively. A broader market means greater demand, and this demand can sometimes be especially lucrative, for example, in rapidly developing economies where consumers are eager for high-quality goods and services.

Growth and profitability

Many businesses discover that overseas markets bring more substantial profit margins. In some countries, demand for UK goods and services is high, primarily due to their quality, reputation, or innovative products. Increased production to meet international demand can also deliver economies of scale, reducing costs per unit and strengthening competitiveness both abroad and at home.

Innovation and competitiveness

Exporting often pushes companies to think outside the box. By adapting products and services to meet third-country regulations or consumer needs, innovation is often increased, as a product is improved, and efficiency can be enhanced. Competing internationally also drives businesses to raise their standards in areas such as customer service, product design, and supply chain resilience.

Building brand recognition

Trading internationally can strengthen your brand. Over time, a brand that is visible and respected worldwide develops a sense of prestige that can have positive effects even in the domestic market.  Operating across borders demonstrates ambition and capability, which builds credibility with both overseas and UK customers. Often, a strong export profile can make it easier to:

• secure large contracts
• attract investment
• recruit talent                                                                                                                   

Resilience

Businesses with international sales are often better equipped to handle uncertainty. Global events, ranging from economic shifts to political changes, can impact individual markets. However, companies that export can pivot more easily, offsetting challenges in one region with opportunities in another.

Strategic exporting

Success with the exporting market can’t be achieved without a clear sense of purpose and a carefully researched strategy, with much hinging on planning and preparation. A well-researched export strategy can enable businesses to:

• set realistic goals
• understand the third-country regulatory environment
• avoid costly mistakes

Whether your business is new to exporting or seeking to refresh or revisit your approach, issues such as Customs compliance, export controls, logistics, and cultural differences can all pose challenges if not properly managed.

That’s where Strong & Herd can help. Through our public training courses, we provide businesses with the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate international trade effectively. And with our OneCall™ Service, expert advice is just an email away, whether you’re planning your first shipment or tackling a complex Customs issue.

Taking the first step

Diving into exporting can be daunting, but for many businesses, it becomes one of the most rewarding aspects of their operations. Approaching it strategically and methodically, understanding why you want to export, where you want to go, and how to do it compliantly, puts your business on the strongest possible footing for success.