Guidance and support

The Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) has a range of free guidance and support that can help UK businesses who want to:

learn about doing business in European countries for the first time
get more tailored support on expanding international sales

From free learning, to technical guidance, there is a wealth of information on selling to Europe.

Exporting to Europe for the first time

If you are looking to export to European countries, it's a good idea to familiarise yourself with all the rules and regulations.

You may want to check our market guides to find the countries that will offer the best strategic fit for your business.

If you are looking to upskill your understanding of exporting or trading with Europe, then enrolling in the UK Export Academy, including its Unlock Europe series could be a great first step.

Expanding your international sales in Europe

If you are looking to expand your international footprint in Europe, you should check our information on opportunities across different sectors and markets.

Depending on your circumstances, BIST may also be able to provide you with more tailored one-to-one support.

Trade Digital Corridor Programme (DTC)

Digital trade support for SMEs

Trade digitalisation replaces paper, or PDF trade documents, with secure electronic versions. This helps SMEs to move goods faster, get paid sooner and cut time spent on admin. The UK’s Electronic Trade Documents Act 2023opens www.legislation.gov.uk in a new tab gives electronic trade documents the same legal standing as paper, making it easier for businesses to adopt digital processes with confidence.

The DTC programme is a multi-year UK government initiative designed to test how digitalised trade processes can work in practice on real trade routes between the UK and other markets. It is taking place between 2026 and March 2029. Places are free but limited.

Export to France, Germany and the Netherlands

BIST's Digital Trade Corridor pilot will give selected SMEs free support to trade digitally with France, Germany and the Netherlands. Businesses will receive hands-on training with an external software provider over several weeks.

Additional information on previous intakes as well as guidance on how electronic trade documents work can be found via the following links:

2026 intake

BIST is currently looking for businesses to join the 2026 programme. A webinar will take place on 4 September via the Business Academy. Interested businesses can hear from others that have taken part in previous pilots on how digital trade can benefit them and learn how to successfully apply.

Webinar: Save time and money when exporting to the EU: Digital Trade Corridors Programme

This is a unique opportunity for SMEs to receive free advice and support that could see up to an 80% saving in time spent on paperwork.