International Trade
Portsmouth is major gateway to Europe and its companies are ideally situated to take advantage of international business opportunities. Outlined below are the bespoke support services available to local companies looking to develop or enhance their business internationally.
UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) Team South East
UK Trade & Investment Team South East is a government organisation dedicated to helping companies in the South East achieve their full international business potential. They combine the expertise of their local International Trade Advisers with the national resources of the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (DBERR) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's (FCO) global network of Trade Development Officers to help companies win business overseas. Visit UKTI Team South East website to find out more.
Portsmouth & South East Hampshire Chamber of Commerce International Trade Service
Provides advice, information and the essential export documentation required for companies looking to trade internationally successfully. This includes assistance with completing Carnets, Certificates of Origin and other international trade forms. Visit the Chamber website to find out more.
Chamber SimplySign Digital Signatures
It also offers E-Cert, the first internet business-to-business application for European Community Certificates of Origin utilising Chamber SimplySign Digital Signatures. This enables UK exporters to apply for the certificate over the internet, sending data in a secure way to produce a hardcopy document. It is also available for non-exporters as an affordable method of secure and trustworthy e-commerce. Visit the Chamber SimplySign website to find out more.
Online tradedesk information
In addition it runs specialist trade desks for bespoke support on trading in specific countries. An overview of each market and hyperlinks to more detailed information is available online or contact Max Breeze on 023 9244 9499. You can also visit the Chamber website to find out more.
Partenariats
Held successfully throughout the EU member states on a biannual basis. For 2 days of intensive meetings SMEs can make 30-min appointments to talk to other international companies of their choice. The event is FREE and delegates are only required to pay for travel and accommodation. Visit Partenariats website to find out more.
Business Link Hampshire & IOW
Business Link brings together a wide range of international trade services from a number of organisations and provides information factsheets, news, events and links to other sites. In addition you can contact their International Trade Team that provides a "one-stop" service for first time and experienced exporters. Visit Business Link website to find out more.
Southern Area European Information Centre
A one-stop shop for doing business in Europe with advice and support on a wide range of topics including:
- business opportunities
- european tenders
- funding
- legislation
- the Euro
South Coast International Trade Forum (SCITF)
The South Coast International Trade Forum is an association of companies and organisations on the South Coast of England involved in international business. It aims to promote, enhance and stimulate trade, enabling companies on the South Coast of England to develop and increase the volume and efficiency of their import/export activity. The forum includes large, medium and small businesses as well as UK Trade & Investment, the Chambers of Commerce of Southampton, Portsmouth and the IOW, Business Link, the Enterprise Europe Network, Clydesdale Bank and the Institute of Export. It is a platform for discussion, networking and support on issues affecting global trade. Visit SCITF website to find out more.