International Support

Supporting your business in its International Journey

Our International Support Team has more than 40 years of experience in supporting companies in international trade providing a range of services and benefits to member companies, to support their export activities, helping them to sell and promote their products overseas, providing help and advice, and saving them time and money. The department organises overseas exhibition groups to
help UK companies to sell internationally and is recognised as a Trade Challenge Partner for the Department for Business and Trade, which is the UK government's export promotion arm.

Whether you are new to exports or have been pro-actively exporting, our team can work with you and support your business to raise your profile in international markets and place you directly in front of key industry buyers and press contacts, along with providing you with the advice and guidance needed to make your international journey a successful one.

Benefits for our members

Our primary goal is to support your business in gaining international exposure and assist with the challenges faced with international trade. One of the main topics hitting headlines for the past couple of years is BREXIT, causing much frustration and disruption to businesses and affecting the way we trade internationally commencing January 2021. Our International Support Team have worked closely with industry specialists to keep its members  egularly informed on relevant changes affecting our industry because of BREXIT. We continue to work closely with our DBT contacts, UK and Internationally to minimise the disruptions and barriers that arise when trading with the EU and create new initiatives for members to continue their international growth.

Access to funding to support with international trade

Being recognised as a Trade Challenge Partner for the Department for Business and Trade provides access to support members with funding at many key overseas trade shows and events. From organising UK pavilions and offering cost effective stands to providing financial support making it feasible for businesses to exhibit and gain recognition in an overseas market. We works closely with British Embassies and Consulates to create opportunities for trade missions, invite only events tailored to place selected brands in front of buyers specifically selected to match products on offer. Organised market research, education, and buyer meeting programs, known as missions, have been highly successful among many members and continue to benefit numerous businesses in key
markets like Japan and Dubai.

Regular low cost overseas promotion to key industry buyers and press / Access to networking events and market awareness briefings

We regularly introduce marketing initiatives exclusive to members, providing opportunities to place them in front of key industry buyers and press, including digital meet the buyer, marketing campaigns with DBT’s GREAT campaign, networking events and member showcase opportunities at selected events.

Free access to Import/Export helpline and facilitation of introductions to in market experts and commercial contacts

With over 40 years of experience and having developed many strong relationships with specialist advisors, we work closely with our members to provide them with advice and guidance with their import and export activities and put them in touch with appropriate market experts and commercial contacts. We provide relevant advice and guidance tailored to meet our members requirements. There are
many challenges faced by businesses when trading internationally, which can present itself as daunting, we are here to work with you and overcome these obstacles.

Import/export assistance

We are dedicated to supporting our members by providing assistance and guidance with customs requirements and procedures. Our network includes preferred customs agents, brokers, and freight and logistics providers who can help complete the necessary customs declarations. These declarations, which are mandatory, are processed using specialist software that feeds directly to HMRC, ensuring compliance and efficiency. Additionally, we keep our members informed about any changes to or new regulations and procedures, ensuring they stay up-to-date and compliant.

Free 30-minute International Legal Advice

Operated via a service partner. Giftware Association members can get access to 30 minutes free advice from an experienced solicitor on any legal issues relative to international trade, including sales
agents & distributor contract agreements, as well as advice on overseas debts. 30-minute advice given is F.O.C, issues can often be resolved within this timeframe, however any further subsequent
time taken is chargeable for.

Discounted rates on ATA carnets and translations

We have secured discounted rates for ATA carnets and translations for members providing them with a generous discount on ATA carnets and 10% off translations. As a result of BREXIT, taking goods into the EU temporarily will need to be declared. The same process would apply if you were taking goods to another country. Many members will opt to appoint an intermediary to provide them with an ATA carnet to avoid paying duty. Members can take advantage of the discount secured with our service partner.

The list of benefits is not an exhaustive one, we continuously work and build relationships with industry providers, introducing services and benefits to support our members and regularly creating new and exciting opportunities at international events.