UK's International Trade Week to help SMEs accelerate global expansion plans

A successful international expansion strategy can often be one of the biggest hurdles for many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

As part of its Plan for Change programme, which aims to kickstart economic growth, the UK government is hosting its fifth annual International Trade Week (ITW) 2025, a series of free trade-focused business events to help more British companies export goods and services.

ITW takes place from 3 to 7 November and is open to businesses of all sizes and sectors, from those looking to secure their first international contract to experienced exporters planning to boost sales in new or existing markets.

During the week, a range of in-person events, workshops and webinars will help participants develop exporting knowledge and skills, gain valuable insights on specific markets and increase their understanding of key opportunities globally.

Over the past year, the government has signed trade deals with the US, European Union and India, as well as launched a major Trade Strategy that sets out its long-term approach to maximising trade opportunities for British companies.

In December 2024, the UK became a member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a 12-member trade bloc that is expected to boost the country’s exports to the APAC region. 

With SMEs accounting for 99.8% of UK businesses, the government has also established a new Business Growth Service. The platform provides access to export funding through UK Export Finance and the UK Export Academy, which helped more than 11,000 businesses sell internationally in the last financial year.

“According to our recent Trade Barometer, over a quarter of businesses say they want help finding customers, business partners and suppliers overseas,” said John Baldwin, CEO of Corporate and Commercial Banking at Santander UK, in a statement.

“Initiatives such as International Trade Week are vital for helping businesses grow overseas and receive the much-needed support they seek from both the government and private sector,” he added.

ITW is hosted by the Department for Business and Trade in partnership with Santander UK. For more information and registration details, visit the ITW event page.