The Department of International Trade

You’re right to ask, especially as international trade may be at the forefront of your mind given the recent decision for the UK to leave the European Union. The benefits of selling internationally can include: More customers – tapping into a global demand Increased profitability – trading overseas can often drive higher profit margins Faster growth – selling overseas could help your business grow at a faster rate Innovation – working in more than one country can help drive new ideas More resilient – spreading risk can help manage changes in demand or market conditions

With a global commercial reach that extends into over 100 countries, the Department for International Trade (DIT) is the Government department that supports UK businesses in their internationalisation.

The region also sits within the Midlands Engine which is a Government initiative bringing together the West and East Midlands as an engine for growth for the UK economy. The Midlands Engine runs events and trade visits to enable businesses to export more goods and services and grow their overall productivity.

The Black Country Chamber of Commerce delivers DIT international trade support and services to Black Country based businesses of any size (from SMEs to larger corporates) or export experience (from new to experienced exporters).

A team of four experienced International Trade Advisers, based at the Chamber provide free, impartial and confidential export advice, guidance, planning and signposting to the most appropriate DIT services to support your business in its international development.

To help you get started the Department of International Trade offers a variety of support for new exporters including various online resources all of which are free to use: – Access online training, view country guides and explore export opportunities. EXPORTING IS GREAT – An online forum and resource for exporters. First-time exporters may be interested to draw up an export plan using, a free advice service for exporters. OPEN TO EXPORT – A new online tool for companies that want to learn the fundamentals about exporting delivered in short video modules on key topics ONLINE TRAINING

The team of International Trade Advisers are here to help you with everything you need for export success. With years of experience and an enviable track record, they can help you assess your capabilities, identify potential markets and develop an export strategy aimed at successfully exploiting the global marketplace.

Jayne Shields – Jayne has recently joined the Department for International Trade following 3 years working in the Black Country as a business growth adviser.  “With over 20 years of business experience working in marketing leadership within the private sector, including the construction products, security and materials handling industries, I have a broad range of experience of international operations and enjoy supporting businesses to grow and develop.”

Gerald La Touche – Gerald has considerable experience having worked at Department for Trade and Industry and the West Midlands Regional Development Agency, Advantage West Midlands prior to joining the export business support team in 2015. “I have extensive knowledge and experience in business internationalisation, gained from working with businesses on both sides of the Atlantic, and enjoy engaging with businesses towards their international growth strategy and plans.”

Marion Doherty – Marion has been performing the role of export business development since 2010. Marion is the Infrastructure lead for the West Midlands but works with companies from all sectors. As well as advising and working with companies Marion has organised and led missions to a number of high-profile international exhibitions.  “In my capacity as an International Trade Adviser the real job satisfaction comes from being part of the expansion into international sales or the development in a new market and in seeing the positive effect it has on the company. This confidence building enables further exploration, business wins and long term business relationships”

Heather Crocker – Heather joined the Department for International Trade (DIT) in June 2014, she has a wealth of experience in advising and supporting businesses across a range of industry sectors including Advanced Manufacturing, Food & Drink, Construction, Engineering and Marine. “I have over 25 years of business experience working in the private and public sectors including food and drink manufacturing, agriculture and the transport industry. I enjoy working  with businesses across all sectors to advise and support them with their international growth plans.”

If you’re looking to internationalise your business or want to expand your exporting horizons, help is at hand from the SME International Growth Project. This project is delivered by West Midlands Chamber of Commerce (WMCC) funded through ERDF. Ideal for West Midlands businesses, the project offers financial support to help you grow your export programmes and trade overseas. For eligible businesses, grants of between £1,000 and £3,000 are available to help you grow overseas. For more information, please email erdf@wmchambers.co.uk or call 0121 607 1770.