The Department for International Trade’s (DIT) Northern Ireland hub is dedicated to supporting Northern Ireland businesses to boost exports, grow internationally, support inward investment and create high value jobs in Northern Ireland.

Our team including Sector Leads in Advanced Manufacturing and Technology, Creative Industries, Agri-Food and Drink and Health and Life Sciences, works in close collaboration with local partners to ensure DIT Northern Ireland’s focus and services are aligned with the Department for the Economy’s 10x Innovation Strategy.

We have a detailed and extensive package of support for all Northern Ireland businesses that are looking to export and succeed in a global marketplace. With a global network in over 100 markets across the globe, businesses of all sizes across Northern Ireland can benefit from DIT’s strongly established connections, sector knowledge and market specialists.

DIT support available to Northern Ireland businesses includes:

UK Export Academy

A free, comprehensive training offer available to Northern Ireland businesses that can be sold internationally. The UK Export Academy’s foundation course, market access events, sector specific webinars and masterclasses give businesses the knowledge and skills to sell to customers around the world by learning from experts in international trade. Since its launch in mid-November 2021, over 1,500 businesses have signed up to the UK Export Academy from across the UK.

Northern Ireland business signing up will have access to a dedicated Export Academy Adviser, and an opportunity to network with other businesses that have global ambitions, ensuring businesses can build and learn from exporting successes through business-to-business networking and peer-to-peer learning. To learn more about the UK Export Academy, and to register for events, please visit https://www.events.great.gov.uk/website/6264/.

UK Tradeshow Programme

DIT’s newly launched UK Tradeshow Programme aims to help businesses maximise their impact at international tradeshows, whether as exhibitors or visitors. Exhibiting at overseas trade shows can help you gain essential market knowledge and increase both your companies brand awareness and your business sales. To apply for support through the UK Tradeshow Programme, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/uk-tradeshow-programme#how-to-apply.

UK Export Finance (UKEF)

UK Export Finance (UKEF) is the UK’s world-class export credit agency. UKEF work with the Department for International Trade, Her Majesty’s Treasury and over 70 private lenders and credit insurers to support UK businesses that export. UKEF’s tried and tested product range includes buyer finance, exporter guarantees and insurance. UKEF currently supports exports to over 200 countries. UKEF’s regional Export Finance Managers are on hand to help guide you through the export process.