Yorkshire businesses encouraged to go global

Businesses across York and North Yorkshire are being encouraged to go global as a further £300,000 of export funding is made available.

The fourth round of Get Exporting will open for applications on September 1, offering grants of between £3000 and £10,000 to help businesses increase international sales.

More than 70 companies have already received support through the programme to take products and services into markets across North America, Europe and Asia.

Launched last year with £600,000 available, the latest allocation will take total funding committed to Get Exporting to £1.2 million.

The expanded programme is now more than six times the size of its original pilot.

Officials estimate the funding could ultimately help unlock more than £90 million in new international trade for businesses across the region.

David Skaith, mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: “The success of Get Exporting shows the huge global appetite for products and services made right here in York and North Yorkshire. 

“That’s why we’re backing ambition and scaling up our support with a grant pot now more than six times the size of our pilot.

“With £1.2 million in funding now committed, we’re helping businesses overcome barriers and drive millions in new sales across the world.”

Charlotte Walsh, owner of Skipton-based Silicone Straw Company, added: “As a small business owner, I have always seen the potential in the US and Europe, but the costs involved in developing international sales can be a significant barrier. 

“This support has made a real difference to my business, giving me the confidence to explore new markets and invest in opportunities which would have been out of reach.”

Nancy Gries, co-founder of Harrogate-based COTI Vision, added: “This funding has been game-changing, allowing us to expand into new international markets that would have otherwise been completely out of reach. 

“Participating in global trade events has given us vital exposure, strong supplier connections, and fundamental growth opportunities.”

The application window for the fourth round of the Get Exporting programme will open on September 1 and close on September 30. For more information and to access the programme’s prospectus, click here.

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.