Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make-up 99.8% of the UK’s business population, totalling over 5.5 million companies as of 2024 (Department for Business and Trade). As the UK transitions from its post-Brexit trade identity and integrates into new global frameworks—most notably through its accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)— SMEs are presented with significant new opportunities for international expansion.
At the heart of this shift lies a need for clear strategy, trusted guidance, and local expertise. As an international advisory firm operating in 24 countries, Altios Group provides a 360-degree approach to global growth while navigating evolving trade dynamics. In partnership with TechUK and as part of the Department of Business and Trade’s (DBT) overseas referral network, we help SMEs - and the government agencies that support them - translate new trade developments into actionable, long-term success.
This article explores the CPTPP through an expert lens: its implications for trade, regulatory challenges, sector-specific opportunities, and how to leverage government support effectively. We also highlight how Altios supports SMEs in transforming uncertainty into opportunity, delivering a holistic approach to international expansion.
Rethinking Trade – Why SMEs are looking beyond Europe
The European market has long served as a primary export destination for UK firms. However, the post-Brexit landscape has introduced significant complexity, including diverging regulatory frameworks, shifting compliance standards, and new non-tariff barriers. These issues have made the EU a more consolidated and less predictable partner. UK exporters often find themselves out of sync with new packaging, certification, and product conformity rules, creating friction and delays across sectors.
In response, many UK businesses are reassessing their exposure and growth strategies. Attention is shifting to more dynamic and stable economies with clearer regulatory environments and stronger trade incentives. The CPTPP plays a pivotal role in this shift, offering a compelling alternative.
The CPTPP encompasses 11 nations, including Singapore, Vietnam, Australia, Canada, and Japan, accounting for 14% of global GDP and over 500 million consumers (World Economic Forum). The agreement offers UK businesses improved market access through reduced tariffs, flexible rules of origin, and sector-specific provisions.
Markets like Singapore and Australia provide stable legal systems and transparent trade environments, while Vietnam presents cost-effective manufacturing and sourcing opportunities. Recent trade deals have also reduced import duties on essential raw materials and finished goods, thereby lowering operational costs, improving margins, and enabling access to new customer segments. For example, reduced tariffs on electronic components or agri-food inputs can unlock new B2B and retail distribution channels.
For UK SMEs, the CPTPP is not just an alternative to the EU, it represents a strategic rebalancing of trade portfolios toward long-term, high-growth markets, including the US, India, and the Asia-Pacific region.
Building Resilience – Regulatory Complexity and Sector-Specific Strategy
The regulatory landscape and supply chain management can significantly shape business outcomes, with implications that vary by sector and partner country. While Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) offer streamlined customs procedures, UK firms must conduct thorough due diligence—particularly around rules of origin, labour laws, and environmental standards—which may require changes to suppliers or manufacturing locations.
Moreover, regulatory divergence adds to the complexity. EU product certifications, for example, are no longer universally recognised, often requiring dual testing or new registrations. Meanwhile, countries like the US and those across Asia enforce a distinct labelling, safety, and data protection rules. To maintain a competitive edge, UK businesses must invest in compliance and local partnerships. Differentiation will come through value-added offerings, sustainability credentials, and heritage branding.
Market Access – Tariffs, Trade Deals and Treaty Shopping
Trade deals with India, Australia, and CPTPP members offer significant advantages, such as tariff reductions and simplified entry procedures—particularly for automotive, food and drink, and professional services sectors.
Faced with ongoing diversions regarding market access, many UK SMEs are rethinking long-term strategy by establishing operations in countries like Singapore, India, or US, to benefit from more favourable trade terms. This approach—often referred to as ‘treaty shopping’—enhances compliance, speeds up market entry, and streamlines logistics. Strategic planning by sector enhances this further: Singapore as a regional hub for Asia-Pacific, India for manufacturing and supply chains, and the US as a launchpad for North American markets, including Canada and Mexico.
Talent Mobility
When considering expansion into foreign markets, a critical opportunity lies in youth mobility agreements. Youth mobility agreements are helping firms access talent in tight labour markets. Initiatives like the UK/EU Youth Experience Scheme strengthen bilateral cooperation and expand talent pools. However, long-term success isn’t just about market access—it’s about building sustainable, compliant business models. At Altios, we provide this operational on-the- ground support for clients by setting up subsidiaries, hiring local staff, or exploring M&A—tailored to their sector, scale, and growth ambitions.
Government Support: Turning Complexity into Opportunity
Accessing government support can help mitigate these challenges, but it’s not always straightforward. While initiatives from UK Export Finance (UKEF) and other government schemes are expanding, many SMEs struggle to navigate eligibility, processes, or identifying local contacts. We often hear the same concern: We don’t know where to start.
This is where Altios adds value. Embedded within international trade ecosystems, we know the stakeholders, understand the processes, and can align expansion plans with available government incentives. Our experts also emphasise the importance of compliance investment and local partnerships, to reduce risk and ensure long-term resilience.
How Altios and TechUK Support Your Global Expansion
New trade agreements bring distinct opportunities for both outbound UK exporters and inbound investors. In this complex and dynamic trade environment, expert guidance is not optional – it’s essential.
Altios offers a 360° approach to international expansion. We support our clients from organic growth (strategy consulting, subsidiary setup & management, HR) to external growth (buyside M&A, site selection) through our team of experts across 24 countries worldwide.
In partnership with TechUK, together our aim is to actively support British companies, especially SMEs, in taking full advantage of agreements like the CPTPP. The firms that succeed will be those that move decisively, plan strategically, and partner with the right advisors.
Now is time to plan your 2025 global trade strategy and internationalise with Altios.
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Sabina Ciofu is Associate Director – International, running the International Policy and Trade Programme at techUK.
Based in Brussels, she leads our EU policy and engagement. She is also our lead on international trade policy, with a focus on digital trade chapter in FTAs, regulatory cooperation as well as broader engagement with the G7, G20, WTO and OECD.
As a transatlanticist at heart, Sabina is a GMF Marshall Memorial fellow and issue-lead on the EU-US Trade and Technology Council, within DigitalEurope.
Previously, she worked as Policy Advisor to a Member of the European Parliament for almost a decade, where she specialised in tech regulation, international trade and EU-US relations.
Sabina loves building communities and bringing people together. She is the founder of the Gentlewomen’s Club and co-organiser of the Young Professionals in Digital Policy. Previously, as a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community, she led several youth civic engagement and gender equality projects.
She sits on the Advisory Board of the University College London European Institute, Café Transatlantique, a network of women in transatlantic technology policy and The Nine, Brussels’ first members-only club designed for women.
Sabina holds an MA in War Studies from King’s College London and a BA in Classics from the University of Cambridge.
Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade, techUK
Daniel Clarke
Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade, techUK
Dan joined techUK as a Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade in March 2023.
Before techUK, Dan worked for data and consulting company GlobalData as an analyst of tech and geopolitics. He has also worked in public affairs, political polling, and has written freelance for the New Statesman and Investment Monitor.
Dan has a degree in MSc International Public Policy from University College London, and a BA Geography degree from the University of Sussex.
Outside of work, Dan is a big fan of football, cooking, going to see live music, and reading about international affairs.
Theo joined techUK in 2024 as EU Policy Manager. Based in Brussels, he works on our EU policy and engagement.
Theo is an experienced policy adviser who has helped connect EU and non-EU decision makers.
Prior to techUK, Theo worked at the EU delegation to Australia, the Israeli trade mission to the EU, and the City of London Corporation’s Brussels office. In his role, Theo ensures that techUK members are well-informed about EU policy, its origins, and its implications, while also facilitating valuable input to Brussels-based decision-makers.
Theo holds and LLM in International and European law, and an MA in European Studies, both from the University of Amsterdam.
Lewis' programmes cover a range of policy areas within Market Access (international trade regulation, sanctions and export controls, technical standards and product compliance, supply chains) and Consumer Tech (media and broadcast policy, consumer electronics, and connected home technology).
Prior to joining techUK, Lewis worked in government affairs and policy roles for international trade associations in Southeast Asia including the American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and the European Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia.
He holds an undergraduate degree in Social and Political Sciences from the University of Cambridge and an MSc in Public Policy & Management from SOAS University of London.
Tess joined techUK as an Policy and Public Affairs Team Assistant in November of 2024. In this role, she supports areas such as administration, member communications and media content.
Before joining the Team, she gained experience working as an Intern in both campaign support for MPs and Councilors during the 2024 Local and General Election, and working for the Casimir Pulaski Foundation on defence and international secuirty. She has worked for multiple charities, on issues such as the climate crisis, educational inequality and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). In 2023, Tess obtained her Bachelors of Arts in Politics and International Relations from the University of Nottingham.
