Alibaba.com is launching a regional roadshow in partnership with the Department for International Trade to help advise UK businesses on how the leading B2B marketplace can help them export around the world. The Alibaba export events take place in Manchester, Birmingham, and Cambridge during International Trade Week (31st October – 4th November).
This year’s International Trade Week comes at an opportune moment, with UK businesses under increased pressure to unlock innovative ways to grow.
Attending businesses will learn more about how Alibaba.com can help them cost-effectively reach and match with buyers in new markets. The platform has more than 40 million active buyers in over 190 countries – from the US to India, Brazil to the EU.
There is a massive appetite across the world for UK goods. By trading internationally, UK businesses of all sizes can access more customers and new markets, diversify and spread business risk, and leverage a platform for innovative ideas and new practices.
We want to ensure more businesses are given the support they need to achieve global growth. Filling the knowledge gap, especially for SMEs starting on their export journey, is critical.
– Roland Palmer, General Manager UK, Benelux and Nordics, Alibaba Group
In a recent survey of over 2,000 UK businesses, almost half are concerned about the challenges of cross-border trade, despite recognising the export potential, with the biggest barriers to exporting identified as paperwork and customs rules. Confidence amongst UK businesses that do currently export is high, with 78% saying they expect their export sales to increase in the next 12 months. UK businesses are also seeing the benefit of online channels, with 92% of those currently exporting using online marketplaces – and 68% saying it’s a key part of their export strategy.
One example of a UK seller is The Edinburgh Natural Skincare Company, which has recently joined Alibaba.com.
Currently we have two stores in Edinburgh, but selling to the world through online marketplaces such as Alibaba.com takes our business to another level. As a 100% natural skincare business, we’re also very well placed to take advantage of the quality and heritage associated with British brands. It’s incredibly exciting to be able to turn our export ambitions into reality.
– Tommy Crooks, Managing Director, The Edinburgh Natural Skincare Company
Alibaba export events
At last year’s International Trade Week, the Government unveiled its export strategy, with a goal to raise exports to £1 trillion by the mid-2030s or sooner, supported by improved finance and support services.
Businesses can register to attend the Alibaba export events in Manchester (2nd November), Birmingham (3rd November) and Cambridge (4th November) here.
