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Open to Export is a free online information service from The Institute of Export & International Trade. It is solely dedicated to helping small UK businesses get ready to export and expand internationally.[1]
History
edit
The site launched in beta in May 2012;[2] during this time Open to Export limited the business sectors to technology, and the overseas markets to the US and India.
The site officially launched in October 2012.[3][4] At the time of launch, Lord Green, then Minister of State for Trade and Investment, said: "Supporting more small and medium-sized enterprises to export is a key part of the government's plan for growth,"[5] and went on to say "Half of the UK's exports, by value, already come from SMEs. Open to Export will provide practical assistance, advice and support to other businesses looking to make that crucial first step to sell into foreign markets."[6]
Ownership of Open to Export was taken on by the Institute of Export & International Trade in April 2017.[citation needed]
Export Action Plan
editThe 'Export Action Plan[7]' is an online planning tool on Open to Export that sets goals for businesses along the five simple steps to export success, from getting started to delivery and documentation. Once completed, the company can download a PDF report of their export strategy, which they can take to their bank, adviser, or submit to Open to Export's quarterly competitions.[8]
Export Action Plan Competitions
editOpen to Export runs quarterly competitions encouraging businesses to complete their 'Export Action Plans'. 10 finalists are invited to a showcase final, with one winner being selected by a panel of expert judges to win a cash prize and further support prizes towards the implementation of their plans.
Open to Export has run eight UK-only competitions and one global competition – the 'Open to Export International Business Awards'. The Open to Export International Business Awards were run with the support of the World Trade Organisation and the International Chamber of Commerce. The Institute of Export & International Trade were named a 'Small Business Champion' by the WTO and ICC upon the completion of the competition.[9]
The 10th Export Action Plan competition was opened in November 2019.
Previous winners include: Charles Farris,[10] Klick2Learn,[11] Lick Frozen Yogurt,[12] First Chop Brewing Arm,[13] Genevieve Sweeney,[14] The Great British Baby Company,[15] Bubblebum (UK) Ltd,[16][17] and Dytech Limited (Zambia).[18][19]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Open to Export - About Us & Our Service". opentoexport.com. Retrieved 20 November 2018.
- ^ Coleman, Kevin. "Alliantus gets early invite from Open to Export". Alliantus. Retrieved 10 December 2012.
- ^ UKTI. "Online service for small businesses launched". UKTI. Retrieved 10 December 2012.
- ^ Van-West, Abigail. "UKTI launches free online service to boost international trade". Growing Business. Retrieved 10 December 2012.
- ^ Telegraph. "Better Future for Britain in the pipeline". London: Telegraph.co.uk. Archived from the original on 12 February 2013. Retrieved 10 December 2012.
- ^ Miller, Rachel. "Also in the news this week — 2nd November 2012". Startup Donut. Retrieved 10 December 2012.
- ^ "Open to Export - Export Action Plan Information". opentoexport.com. Retrieved 20 November 2018.
- ^ "Open to Export - Export Action Plan Competition Info". opentoexport.com. Retrieved 20 November 2018.
- ^ "WTO and ICC announce new Small Business Champion". Retrieved 20 November 2018.
- ^ "Export Action Plan Final - January 20th - Open to Export". opentoexport.com. 21 January 2016. Retrieved 20 November 2018.
- ^ "Export Action Plan Case Study: Klik2Learn - Open to Export". opentoexport.com. 6 July 2016. Retrieved 20 November 2018.
- ^ "Export Action Plan Case Study: Lick Frozen Yogurt - Open to Export". opentoexport.com. 29 November 2016. Retrieved 20 November 2018.
- ^ "Export Action Plan food and drink final report - 20 March - Open to Export". opentoexport.com. 23 March 2017. Retrieved 20 November 2018.
- ^ "Export Action Plan East of England report – 22 March - Open to Export". opentoexport.com. 27 March 2017. Retrieved 20 November 2018.
- ^ "Export Action Plan: Tech meets Creative report – 30 March - Open to Export". opentoexport.com. 31 March 2017. Retrieved 20 November 2018.
- ^ "The Institute of Export and International Trade". The Institute of Export and International Trade. Retrieved 20 November 2018.
- ^ "BubbleBum: a story of exporting success". ContentLive. Retrieved 20 November 2018.
- ^ "Dytech Limited win the Open to Export International Business Awards - Open to Export". opentoexport.com. 8 October 2018. Retrieved 20 November 2018.
- ^ "WTO and ICC announce new Small Business Champion". Retrieved 20 November 2018.