Exporting Starts Here: All you need to know

Written by Maisie Salter from Innovate UK

Exporting Starts Here is a fully funded programme empowering small and medium-sized businesses across Coventry, Solihull, Birmingham, and the Black Country to thrive internationally.

The programme is designed to enable more companies across the West Midlands to confidently export.

It has been commissioned by the West Midlands Combined Authority and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The programme is led by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, and the Black County Chamber of Commerce.

The goal is to empower new-to-market and new-to-export firms with resources and insights for sustainable scaling.

Eligible businesses must:

• Be registered in, or operate primarily within, Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, or Wolverhampton.
• Be involved in industries with strong potential for growth and development in the West Midlands.
• Exporting isn’t just for products. Service-based exports represent a significant growth area for UK businesses and can be highly profitable. Therefore, whether you’re in tech, finance, creative industries, consulting, or education— we can help you access opportunities in international markets.

Here’s all you need to know about the programme.

What benefits can I get?

Whether you're just beginning your export journey, building on early international sales, or looking to break into new overseas markets, the Exporting Starts Here programme is designed to help you grow, at no cost.

It offers practical, personalised export support to small and medium-sized businesses across Birmingham, Coventry, Solihull, Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall, and Wolverhampton

Exporting Starts Here is about more than just advice - it's about giving your business the tools, knowledge, and confidence to compete and thrive in international markets.

Why exporting matters?

Exporting isn’t just about sending goods overseas.

It’s a powerful growth strategy that can transform your business.

Companies that export are more productive, more innovative, and often more resilient.

Selling internationally helps spread risk, opens up larger customer bases, and increases competitiveness at home and abroad.

And for service-based businesses, international expansion is often even more accessible.

With digital delivery, low overheads, and high demand for UK expertise in sectors like tech, finance, education, creative industries, and consultancy, exporting services offers a scalable, high-margin growth path.

By stepping into global markets, you’re not just chasing sales, you’re future proofing your business.

What does the programme offer?

As part of Exporting Starts Here, you'll receive tailored 1:1 guidance from experienced export advisors. They’ll support you through every stage of your export journey - from market research and strategy to customs and compliance.

In addition, you’ll have access to practical workshops and training sessions.

These cover a wide range of essential topics, including service exports, carbon border adjustment mechanism, commodity code classification and tariff planning. Support is open to any eligible business with international ambitions.

What local leaders and exporters are saying?

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands said: “Helping local businesses step into international markets is key to building a strong economy and creating good jobs for local people.

“This programme provides the targeted support needed to make those first steps easier, paving the way for growth that benefits communities across the West Midlands.”
 

Tom Marren, from WOMAG (now exporting to the Middle East, Far East and Africa) said: “Exporting can bring major benefits to your business, but you can't do everything by yourself.

“If you ask for help and bring in support, it means you can move a lot more quickly when it comes to growing your overseas markets.”
 

Get started today

Exporting Starts Here is a local programme with a global vision - helping West Midlands businesses realise their potential on the world stage.

With expert guidance, valuable resources, and ongoing support, there’s never been a better time to take your business global.

Register now and start your journey to global success.