Getting goods and services ready

Guidance on great.gov.uk

Assess the most suitable markets

Use our market guides to assess which country could be most suitable for your products or service, or to find out how to take advantage of a new export opportunity.

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See the latest market data, sector-specific information and details of any trade agreements that are in place with that chosen market. Find details on how to do business, including tax rates and import regulations.

Guidance on great.gov.uk

Understand market research

Researching potential overseas markets is the foundation of any export plan. From starting your research online to visiting the market, find out how best to approach this essential first step.

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Understanding the competition, local market conditions and customer demand will give you clear insights into the suitability of a market. You’ll also need to know if there are any adaptations needed to your product or service for it to be successful.

Guidance on great.gov.uk

Understand cultural and language adaptations

Adapting your product or service to suit the culture and tastes of local customers is sometimes necessary if you want to successfully launch in a new export market.

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Research your target market as thoroughly as possible. See what other companies offer and how they’ve adapted their products and look at what is produced locally. And if possible, visit the market to get a real feel for what customers are looking for.

Guidance on great.gov.uk

Plan a market visit

One of the best ways to know if a potential market is right for your business is to visit it in person. But to get the most out of your visit, you should have a solid plan in place.

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Preparation means more than general background research. You’ll need a clear itinerary for your visit, with contacts lined up to speak to. Set up meetings with potential buyers and intermediaries before you go. And take time to find out everything you can about the competition.