Exporting and Internationalisation

If you want to grow your South Lanarkshire business by entering new international markets, there is a wide range of free advice, training, market intelligence and funding support available. These services can help you build confidence, navigate regulations and connect with customers around the world.

Scottish Enterprise Support

Scottish Enterprise (SE) provides extensive help for businesses at all stages of their export journey. Support includes:

• Market research and insights to help you identify opportunities, understand competitors and analyse consumer demand. The market research team can produce tailored reports covering industry trends, company data and demographics.
• Export advice and guidance, including support with documentation, regulations, customs procedures and compliance.
• Export planning tools, including an online export assessment that provides a tailored report on your readiness and next steps.
• Networking and partnership opportunities, helping you connect with other exporters and industry experts.
• Funding and financial support for export development, product innovation and overseas market entry.
• Participation in international trade missions, exhibitions and market visits to meet potential customers and partners.

Scottish Enterprise’s export services are designed to help both new and experienced exporters build capacity and find the right routes to international growth.

Find more information here

Scottish Development International (SDI)

SDI is Scotland’s international trade and investment arm, working globally with businesses to help them export successfully. Support includes:

• In‑market specialists based in more than 30 international locations, providing tailored market intelligence, buyer introductions and export opportunities.
• Assistance resolving exporting issues, with advisers offering direct guidance on tariffs, customs procedures, documentation and logistics.
• Access to export finance and risk management, delivered in partnership with Scottish Enterprise.
• International e-commerce and marketplace support to help you sell online overseas.
• Support through Scotland’s “Team Scotland” export approach, linking SE, SDI, HIE and SOSE to help businesses realise global opportunities.

SDI also contributes to major trade missions and sector‑focused export initiatives, helping Scottish firms enter new markets and grow international sales.

Find more information at Scottish Development International.

UK Government Support

The UK Government provides a wide range of online tools and training to help businesses begin or grow their exporting activity.

Export Tools and Guidance

Businesses can use government online services to:

• Compare international markets
• Build an export action plan
• Understand exporting rules, documentation, customs and logistics
• Access guidance on digital exporting, finance and market entry

These tools make it easier to plan and manage each step of selling overseas.

UK Export Academy

The UK Export Academy offers free online and in‑person training, including:

• Essentials sessions for new exporters
• Specialist masterclasses
• Sector‑ and market‑specific workshops
• Support to develop or refine export action plans

This training is designed to build skills and confidence for successful exporting.

Find more information at UK Export Academy.

UK Export Finance (UKEF)

UKEF offers government‑backed loans, insurance and guarantees that reduce the financial risks of exporting and help businesses secure international contracts.

Find more information at UK Export Finance.

Scottish Chambers of Commerce

The Scottish Chambers of Commerce network supports businesses to:

• Explore new international markets
• Join trade missions
• Understand export processes and requirements
• Build international business connections

Find more information on Scottish Chambers of Commerce.

Employing EU Nationals or UK Staff Working Abroad

If your business employs EU nationals in the UK or has UK staff working in the EU, you may need to follow the most up‑to‑date rules on working, travelling and residency.

Support available includes:

• Home Office employer toolkit explaining the EU Settlement Scheme and employer responsibilities.
• UK Government guidance on how EU nationals and their families can secure long‑term residency in the UK.

South Lanarkshire Council encourages all local employers and EU citizens to stay informed of these requirements.