What is the Open to Export Action Plan Competition?
Enter the Export Action Plan Competition for the chance to win £3000 and more towards your strategy for international growth after Brexit.
The competition is a great opportunity to gain recognition for your business as you pitch to our panel of expert judges at a fabulous showcase final event at the Swiss Embassy on November 2nd. This will also be a great chance to meet multiple specialists in international trade and gain access to their expertise.
Sponsored by Bibby Financial Services, with further support from the Institute of Export & International Trade, Thrive Digital and the British library, both the winner and the other finalists will win a fabulous package of prizes – all of which are designed to give you what you need to accelerate your growth overseas.
The deadline for the final competition this year has now passed. You can nonetheless enter your action plans for consideration for future competitions to be held in 2018.
Entry is eligible to companies who submit their Export Action Plans and meet the competition criteria. You can start your action plan whenever you want and if you need to leave it, the pages will automatically save it for you so that you can come back to it later.
What is the Export Action Plan?
The Open to Export Action Plan is an intuitive online planning tool which takes you through 5 key steps to export success. It is simple to use and works by asking you to complete tasks and set actions, helping you to establish what you need to know and do to start selling overseas. Once you have completed the steps, you will generate an action plan which is a brilliant showpiece to take to your bank, business advisor or international trade advisor.
How do I enter the competition?
Once your Export Action Plan is complete, simply tick the competition box to enter.
Alternatively, you can send your generated PDF report to admin@opentoexport.com.
What could I win?
£3000 cash and some brilliant research and ecommerce support from the British Library and Thrive Digital worth an additional £2000.
The package also includes 2 free places on an Institute of Export public training course worth £700. Each of the finalists get a year’s free small business membership with the Institute.
Who can enter?
The competition is open to all businesses who are looking to enter or continue entering new markets following the UK’s exit from the EU.
Sponsors and supporters
Headline sponsors: Bibby Financial Services
Bibby are the UK’s largest independent invoice finance company and a trusted financial services partner to over 7,500 businesses in the country. Through their network of 18 local offices, they handle annual client turnover of £5 billion and in 2016, and have advanced more than £3.1bn to UK businesses, helping them to grow.
Thrive Digital – prize donators and supporters
Thrive Digital helps brands and retailers to tap into the global opportunity made available by cross-border ecommerce. They do this by developing and implementing the most effective international ecommerce strategies for companies selling online.
The British Library Business & IP Centre – prize donators and supporters
The British Library Business & IP Centre and its national network has a track record in supporting people to start up and scale up successful businesses. The heart of the service is the Library’s world-class business and intellectual property collections and expertise, complemented by a wide range of practical workshops, networking events and 1:1 advice.
The Institute of Export & International Trade – prize donators and supporters
The Institute of Export & International Trade‘s mission is to enhance the export performance of the United Kingdom by setting and maintaining professional standards in international trade management and export practice. This is principally achieved by the provision of education, training and practical business support services.
Chamber International – media partners
Chamber International supports businesses of all sizes throughout the UK. We can help your business develop its overseas presence and begin (or increase) international trading. Get help making connections, negotiating policy issues and legislation, and make your voice heard to high-level policy makers, both locally and internationally.
The Department for International Trade – supporters
The Department for International Trade (DIT) is the Government Department that works with UK based businesses to ensure their success in international markets through exports, and encourages and supports overseas companies to look at the UK as the best place to set up or expand their business.
