Winning Public Sector contracts
This is a series of online events based around public procurement, where we explore what the changes will look like in practice and just how the act will influence how suppliers do business with the UK public sector.
Following up on our previous work, "Improving Social Value in Tech Procurement," this report offers valuable insights gathered from over 100 tech SMEs operating within central government procurements. Our findings uncover the significant challenges SMEs face with the social value requirements in current procurement frameworks and offer recommendations on how to better support these innovative businesses.
Breaking into New Markets
Breaking into New Markets is a series of events designed specifically for tech SMEs eager to tap into different markets and unlock fresh growth opportunities. Discover actionable strategies, gain expert insights, and learn how to navigate industry-specific challenges to successfully enter new markets.
Get involved
Growth support
Be the Business Section
Be the Business is an independent, not-for-profit organisation, with a single goal: to help business owners and leaders improve the performance of their business.
Eagle Labs
A network of coworking spaces, mentors and learning tools, as well as our events and growth programmes for ambitious businesses, helps the UK’s startup community scale and succeed.
Enterprise Nation
Enterprise Nation is a network of trusted business support. Find advisers, learn from in-depth content and go to local events.
Santander Navigator
Santander Navigator is your one stop shop for international trade, helping to expand businesses internationally. Whether you're just starting your international journey or looking for your next market, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Hawksford - eBook: Doing business in the UK
The UK is a flexible and business minded location, historically recognised as a well established and reputable jurisdiction to conduct business. This eBook provides an overview of what you need to know when considering doing business in the UK.
InsourceIndia - PEO and EOR Services in India
InsourceIndia Professional Employer Organization (PEO) & Employer Of Record (EOR) service in India is committed to assist the employer from any country to successfully set up their business in India.
A Professional Employer Organization (PEO) is an excellent starting point for foreign small, medium & growing businesses to venture into India. PEO is a company that acts as a legal employer for the employee working for an entity not registered in India or is in another country while the employee works for his actual employer company (Client).
InsourceIndia takes care of services for HR, payroll, insurance, benefits, and risk management. InsourceIndia goes one additional step further than what generally PEO agencies offer, we provide extended services like leave management, recruiting, Office Infrastructure Service & HR management.
Logchain - Trade Digitalisation Pilots
The UK – Southeast Asia Trade Digitalisation Pilots (TDP) is a public-private funded project that has facilitated digitalised shipments between the UK, Singapore, and Thailand. The UK government appointed the British Chamber of Commerce Singapore, with support and co-funding from industry partner LogChain, to deliver the project.
Altois Consulting - Expand Globally, Succeed Locally: Market insight
Expand Globally, Succeed Locally - Find country specific market insights you wish to enter and embark on a journey of global growth with a localized approach, leveraging these benefits to ensure your success.
Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade
Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade industry experts are steeped in export controls, so they understand your challenges. From applying for export licences to entering a new market – from navigating government systems to adhering to sanctions - we’ll support you in your quest to master export controls. Find their range of resources here.
Read their Doing Business Handbooks for UK business support and opportunties in a range of countries.
BSI - Achieving Market Access
Explore how to sell your products and services to some of the most attractive global marketplaces including UK, Europe, Australia, China, UAE and Singapore by ensuring compliance to regulations and standards.
Sage - International Trade Hub
Helping you scale your business internationally - if you engage in any of the following, the Sage International Trade Hub can help:
- Exporting/importing goods or services
- Making foreign investments
- Managing complex supply chains
- Hiring from abroad
Grant Thornton - Entrepreneurial and SME services
Whether you have an eye on international expansion, are laying the groundwork to sell or looking to enter a new market, Grant Thornton's team take the time to understand your goals and turn them into steps you can take today.
Our teams work with you to craft tailored strategies that:
- Reduce risk: Seize your opportunities while we manage the risks.
- Support growth: Smart strategies from the right experts to grow your business.
- Drive value: We help you spot opportunities to unlock value at every turn.
Grant Thornton offer a range of advisory services from corporate finance to International Business groups. Find out more here.
UK Export Academy
The UK Export Academy can support your business to grow by giving you the confidence and know-how to land your first, or next overseas deal.
Over 30,000 businesses across the UK have already joined our training programme. It’s totally free and takes only a few minutes to get started. Sign up here.
Gov.uk - Help to Grow
Connecting UK businesses to advice and support to help you start, grow and succeed, the Gov.uk Help to Grow site provides finance and funding resources, business support courses and digital technologies and software adoption advice.
The Export Support Directory
Connecting UK businesses with in-market specialists, the Export Support Directory provides direct access to trusted experts worldwide.
The Department for Business and Trade has teams located all over the world that work closely with commercial service providers. These providers can help you with legal advice, accounting, HR and much more.
UK Export Finance
In 2023-2024, we provided £8.8 billion of financial support to UK exporters. We support businesses in all sectors to export, whether you’re a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) or a large company.
UKEF’s guarantee to your bank can help you access the working capital you need to export, and our insurance policies may be able to cover you when the private sector can’t.
When it comes to exporting, having a great product or service is only half the story. Putting the right finance and insurance in place can make the difference, helping you to win contracts, fulfil orders and get paid.
Intralink - The UK-APAC Tech Growth Programme
If you are a technology startup or scaleup, are headquartered in the UK, and are keen to explore opportunities in APAC, look no further. From in-country Business Development Initiatives and fundraising support to pitch events, we will help you identify the programme and target market that align with your goals.
Santander - UK Export Finance support schemes
UK Export Finance (UKEF) schemes can be used to provide additional support to exporting businesses, above the level which might otherwise be available.
UKEF is the UK government’s export credit agency which provides a range of products to support UK exporters. This includes schemes designed to strengthen a lender’s credit appetite, increasing lending capacity for exporters and the export supply chain. These schemes can provide the bank with a partial guarantee of up to 80% of the exporter’s bank facility for trade finance products for up to 5 years.
Santander - Trade portal
Santander's Trade Portal provides tools and resources to help your company expand globally including market information, import/export databases, international investment resources and tools to organise shipments overseas.
Acclime - Corporate and advisory services
Acclime provides a comprehensive range of professional services and business advisory to help businesses navigate complex regulatory environments and achieve their goals at all stages of the business life‑cycle.
Expansion advisory services
Expand your business confidently with our expert expansion advisory services. From tailored market entry strategies to fund advisory and comprehensive venture capital support, we provide the guidance you need to seize new opportunities and achieve drive growth in new markets. Find out more here.
Doing business in Asia
Acclime offer doing business in Asia insights detailing how to navigate a range of markets. Find out more here.
Get in touch to learn more:
Ed Bevan
Ed is Head of SME Engagement and is responsible for shaping techUK’s proposition to our SMEs across the country, ensuring our policy work, market access activity and services benefit the SME community.
Stephanie Barr
Stephanie is the Programme Manager for SME Engagement and Nations & Regions at techUK.