Overseas buyers line up to hear pitches from small UK exporters at new government roadshow

Small businesses in the North East of England are preparing to showcase their products and services to buyers from across the globe, as the government’s “Made in the UK, Sold to the World” export roadshow kicks off this week in Blyth, Northumberland.

The event, the first of eight planned across the UK, will see nearly 100 buyers from 19 overseas markets—including South Korea, Mexico, India, Poland and Germany—meet with British exporters, with a particular focus on clean energy firms. The roadshow series will also visit Belfast, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Cardiff, and aims to connect small businesses with international markets more quickly and effectively.

Gareth Thomas, minister for services, small businesses and exports, said: “Through these roadshows, the government is focusing on supporting key growth sectors, making it quicker and easier for smaller businesses to connect with markets, grasp export opportunities and expand.”

Each roadshow will focus on a different sector, with upcoming events dedicated to advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and financial services. In Blyth, alongside the international buyers, 30 commercial officers from UK embassies and consulates will be on hand to offer advice and facilitate connections free of charge.

Among those attending is Alex Marshall, group business development director at Clarke Energy, a manufacturer of gas-powered power generators. Marshall, who also serves as an export champion for the government, welcomed the initiative: “The event is an excellent place to discuss the latest international trends and export opportunities for UK businesses in the clean energy sector.”

In addition to direct meetings, the roadshows will include workshops and seminars led by the government-backed UK Export Academy, offering practical guidance on areas such as market research and routes to market.

Despite strong government support, recent figures suggest that small businesses still face challenges when it comes to exporting. A 2024 study by the Department for Business & Trade found that only 18 per cent of businesses with revenues over £500,000 considered themselves experts in exporting last year, down from 24 per cent the previous year.

Exporters interested in participating in upcoming roadshows can register their interest through the Department for Business & Trade’s official website.