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A new initiative is being launched to help small businesses across the UK expand into international markets, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer leads a trade delegation to India this week.<\/p>\n
BT and Small Business Britain<\/a>, both part of the delegation to Mumbai, have announced the Great British Pitch, a programme designed to put export-ready UK firms in front of buyers and investors around the world.<\/p>\n Fewer than a quarter of small businesses currently sell overseas, and only a small share trade with India, according to government data published in September.<\/p>\n The new scheme aims to close that gap by giving more than 100 selected businesses training, coaching, and a live-streamed slot to pitch their products and services to an international audience.<\/p>\n The event will take place at BT\u2019s London headquarters on 5 November<\/strong>, during this year\u2019s International Trade Week<\/a>, which runs from 3\u20137 November.<\/p>\n Firms from technology, food and drink, and the creative industries are expected to take part.<\/p>\n Backing from BT and Small Business Britain<\/p>\n BT Group Chief Executive Allison Kirkby said India is \u201ca global tech hub and one of the UK\u2019s most important trading partners\u201d and that the programme will help small firms \u201creach new international markets\u201d while building digital resilience.<\/p>\n Michelle Ovens CBE, founder of Small Business Britain and a government adviser on the Board of Trade, said the aim is to help entrepreneurs \u201cspark live opportunities, partnerships and unlock deals with trading partners around the world, particularly India\u201d.<\/p>\n She added: \u201cBritain\u2019s small businesses have a great opportunity through the new UK\u2013India trade deal to accelerate their export journey and build on their potential.\u201d<\/p>\n Support from the government and business<\/p>\n The Great British Pitch is supported by the Department for Business and Trade and sits alongside wider efforts to deepen UK\u2013India economic ties following this summer\u2019s agreement in principle on a trade deal.<\/p>\n Prime Minister Keir Starmer called small firms \u201cthe engine of our economy\u201d and said initiatives like this can help take ideas global and \u201cpower the growth our country needs\u201d.<\/p>\n Small firms taking part<\/p>\n For business owners taking part, the exposure could be significant. Hepsie Goddin, co-founder of gift and homeware brand Martha and Hepsie Ltd in Sheffield and Devon, said: \u201cWe\u2019re so excited to have the chance to pitch during International Trade Week. Exporting can come with its challenges, but we believe British-made products are among the best in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n Another participant, Cat Bateman of Little Folk Nursery Rhymes in London, described it as \u201ca huge opportunity to share a new subscription service with global buyers and explore markets that would be pretty impossible otherwise\u201d.<\/p>\n More information<\/p>\n Background data is available in the Longitudinal Small Business Survey 2024 (SME employers)<\/a> on GOV.UK.<\/p>\n Qdos self-employed insurance from \u00a34.58\/month<\/strong><\/p>\n Public liability, employers liability and PI cover \u2022 Trusted by thousands.<\/p>\n \n ByteStart partner for 15 years \u2022 Rated 4.9\/5 (exceptional) on Feefo.\n <\/p>\n
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