Research Your Export Markets

8. Visiting Potential Markets

Only visit a market once you've done as much research as possible. You will get a much better understanding of the country and its people and an opportunity to make useful contacts.

8.1 Make sure you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve from the visit.

• Set up meetings in advance with key contacts, such as potential retailers, distributors and agents.

8.2 Contact a UK Trade & Investment representative based at the British consulate or embassy in the target country. They offer an essential first point of contact and can offer other advice and support.

• Call UK Trade & Investment (020 7215 8000) for more information.

8.3 Before you go it may also be useful to seek advice on the country's customs.

8.4 Basic knowledge of the language may also be useful.

• Try to book an interpreter where necessary and take translated product information with you.

8.5 It may be worth trying out your product at an exhibition or finding out whether you can join a trade mission - a subsidised group travelling together.

• To find out about upcoming events, visit www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk/ukti/appmanager/ukti/home.
• Trade Fair Explorer events, also organised by UK Trade & Investment, allow firms to visit major international trade exhibitions to find out more about the market for their product and what other British firms are doing.