Export Advisory Scheme.

The Export Advisory Scheme provides specialists to work with companies on a 1:1 basis.  These specialists have been selected for their practical export skills and sectoral expertise.  They can be used to assist with the preparation of an export action plan.

Benefits

Using export advisors, companies can benefit from practical advice on all the issues to consider when putting together a plan to enter a new market - thus reducing the risk inherent when expanding into new markets.

Format

The Export Advisory scheme does not follow a rigid format.  Each business is unique and each sector has its own specific challenges.  A bespoke project plan is agreed directly between the company and specialist at the outset of the project.  Projects typically involve, but are not restricted to, the following areas:

• Market Screening
• Identifying barriers to market entry
• Identification of potential partners/customers
• Preparing plans for market entry or product launch
• Implementation of export plan

Export advisory services are currently available for the following sectors:

• Construction Services
• Environmental Services
• ICT Services, including Telecoms, Software, Financial and Electronics
• Life Sciences
• Speciality Food
• Transport Equipment

Eligibility Criteria

This service is available to any Northern Ireland SME with less than 250 employees who can demonstrate that they have a suitable product or service combined with the motivation and resources to grow exports.

Nature of Support

1:1 Consultancy
Specialist Advice

Level of Support

Approved projects can receive up to five days consultancy support.

Contact

If you are Invest NI client, please contact your Client Executive if you believe your business will benefit from this service.  Alternatively, if you are not an Invest NI client, contact:

Christine Browne
Trade Development Services
Invest NI
Bedford Square
Belfast
BT2 7ES
Tel: 028 9069 8034
Email: christine.browne@investni.com

Becoming an Invest NI client

To qualify as an Invest NI client company, you busiuness must meet certain criteria.

You should typically be from the manufacturing or international tradeable sectors and be able to demonstrate that currently, or over the next three years, your business will have:

• Total sales of over £100,000 a year
• Sales outside Northern Ireland of greater than 25% of turnover or greater than £250,000 a year
• The capability and willingness to work with Invest NI

If you are not an Invest NI client, but can satisfy the above criteria and would like to become one, please contact the Invest NI office in your area.  Full details can be found at www.investni.com