Exporting Starts Here

Ready to Go Global?

Whether you're just beginning, building on early successes, or seeking to expand into new markets, Exporting Starts Here sets out to provide FREE SUPPORT to help you grow your business globally.

West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), has commissioned Exporting Starts Here led by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. This initiative empowers small and medium-sized businesses across Coventry, Solihull, Birmingham, and the Black Country to thrive internationally.

Exporting can transform your business, driving growth, innovation, and competitiveness. By expanding into international markets, businesses can increase productivity, enhance resilience, and unlock new opportunities. 

Who Can Benefit from this Fully Funded Programme?

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

Advantages of Exporting Services

• Lower Shipping and Inventory Costs Scalability through Digital Delivery
• Opportunities in Emerging Markets
• Higher Potential for Recurring Revenue

What the FREE Export Support Programme Offers

Exporting Starts Here provides intensive, customised support to help West Midlands businesses thrive in global markets. Key features include:

• 1:1 Expert Guidance: Get tailored advice from export advisors who will guide you from market research to strategic planning, ensuring impactful, sustainable growth in new and existing markets. With expert support, you'll be guided through challenges, overcome barriers, and gain practical and legal assistance for all aspects of exporting.
• Workshops and Training: Our programme offers a robust series of workshops designed to equip businesses with essential skills for international success. Topics include staff upskilling for global expansion, ATA Carnet guidance, customs declarations, export documentation, customs audit preparation, international e-commerce growth, and insights into rules of origin and free trade agreements.
• Focus on High-Growth Clusters: Emphasising sectors where the West Midlands has a competitive edge—such as aerospace, electric vehicles, health-tech, logistics, and professional/financial services.

How We’re Different

Exporting Starts Here enhances existing national export services, uniquely addressing the West Midlands’ needs with a locally embedded service aligned with regional growth priorities.

This programme is here to support West Midlands based companies, particularly those in high-growth sectors such as: 

• Aerospace Electric
• Vehicle Manufacturing
• Health and Med
• Tech Logistics and Distribution
• Professional and Financial Services
• E-Commerce

Ready to Advance Your Export Journey? With expert guidance, resources, and a supportive network, this programme is your opportunity to take your business global.

What are Leaders and Exporters 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.

“For many smaller firms, expanding abroad can be a springboard to success, giving them the chance to develop new products, boost competitiveness, and secure overseas customers. 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, of Coventry-based WOMAG – which now exports 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.”

*The project is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), and delivered by the Coventry & Warwickshire, Black Country, and Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.