The Engineering Industries Association (EIA) and the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) have received confirmation of Government funding for UK engineering companies that want to exhibit at overseas trade shows.

As a result, eligible SMEs could receive grants between £1,500 and £2,500 towards the cost of exhibiting (depending on the location of the show).

The Department for International Trade and the Institute of Export’s 2018-2019 programme covers engineering shows
in China, Germany, India (Bangalore), Oman, Poland, Malaysia, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, the USA and Vietnam.

The EIA and MTA have also negotiated special rates for a UK group in India (New Delhi) and Russia; they are also working with the Genesis Initiative (formed to improve the quality of the debate on SMEs and create economic reform, driven by SMEs and supported by Parliamentarians) for a trade visit to Finland to coincide with the Alihankinta sub-contracting show.

Karen Finegold, executive director of the EIA, says: “There has never been a better time for companies to export their products, with the value of the pound making UK products and services very competitive.

"The Department for International Trade and the Institute of Export can offer assistance to companies that have never exported before; this includes researching the market, help with the documentation and export finance.

“Moreover, we can assist companies with their preparation for attending these overseas exhibitions overseas, some of which attract over 1,000 exhibitors and 70,000 visitors.”

Further details can be found at the EIA Web site (www.eia.co.uk).