What help can we get from the Government as we try to expand our business internationally?

You might think that you are on your own when it comes to making plans to either set up stores in other countries or do wholesale deals abroad. Actually, there is a whole Government department devoted to assistance with trade both into and out of the UK - UK Trade & Investment.

Sabe Tibbitts is an international trade adviser based in London who works with many retailers and has a background in consumer goods, having previously worked for

Proctor & Gamble. She welcomes requests for help from retailers and says there is a huge opportunity for them in emerging markets, particularly as they are used to trading in the dense urban environments retailers would encounter when setting up in cities in the developing world.

UK Trade & Investment will help retailers make contacts on the ground overseas, and particularly legal and government contacts. Tibbitts says: “We can assist with actual launches.” And for smaller retailers introductions can be made to large overseas retailers. “We do ‘Meet the Buyer’ events for people who wouldn’t get the chance to speak to major retailers overseas otherwise.”

She adds: “We have a network of people in the UK who are regionally divided, so for their first contact companies should go to their local adviser. We then work through the commercial sections of embassies and high commissions, using people who are locally employed.” For instance, the organisation has nine offices in India.

To find your local adviser visit www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk.