1. Identifying global demand
   Support sustainable growth and meet international market needs by leveraging your core strengths and exporting your best offerings.
2. Ensuring supply chain transparency and compliance
   Understand every part of your supply chain and stay ahead of regulations to avoid delays and build trust.
3. Accessing the trade ecosystem early
   Engage partners early to access guarantees and working capital that could de-risk overseas contracts.
4. Protecting cashflow with clear payment terms
   Implement enforceable contracts and consider insurance to manage payment risks in complex markets.
5. Choosing markets and partners strategically
   Research market-specific needs and leverage local networks to tailor your approach and reduce risk.

UK mid-sized businesses face a wealth of opportunities as well as challenges when venturing into international trade. We know the stereotype of vast container ships overflowing with physical goods only scratches the surface of a more complex story.

From supply chain resilience and finance access to cashflow protection and compliance, thriving globally requires a strategic, well-informed approach grounded in customer insight and regional diversity.

If you’re looking for more detail on international trade, here’s our summary from a recent grassroots event hosted by Lincoln College Group’s Air & Space Institute.

Lincoln College Group’s (LCG) export-led growth is focused on skills development, with the £80m organisation aiming for £400m in eight years – driven by an expected 30–40% growth in international trade – and it now has campuses and partnerships in China, Saudi Arabia, Norway, and Sweden.

By investing in local talent pipelines aligned with market needs – like aviation and engineering, where the East Midlands faces acute skills shortages – LCG has built resilience from the ground up.

Its blend of education and international commercial activity demonstrates how aligning core capabilities with global demand creates sustainable competitive advantage.

The surplus funds it generates from international commercial activities are reinvested back into the UK student experience. This provides vital financial support that goes beyond UK funding, which the College says is insufficient to run some specialised programmes.

The additional income also allows the college to extend learning opportunities – such as longer study programmes, industry visits, and practical experiences like RAF Cranwell flight training or policing and care modules – enhancing the curriculum for UK students.

One of the biggest challenges for exporters can be navigating complex supply chains and compliance requirements. Misdeclaration of origin or misunderstanding preferential trade agreements could lead to costly delays or loss of tariff benefits.

Gain full visibility of your entire supply chain beyond just immediate functions. Successful businesses in international trade prioritise transparency and traceability, collaborating closely with partners such as Chambers of Commerce and government trade bodies to navigate regulations and certificate of origin requirements effectively.

The recent changes in UK-EU trading arrangements, alongside emerging regulations such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), highlight the need for continual vigilance and adaptability. Exporters that prioritise compliance and incorporate digital tools to track origin, regulatory shifts and tariffs could better mitigate risk and build trust with international customers.

Finance is no longer the barrier it once was. UK Export Finance (UKEF), together with major banks, helps exporters access working capital and manage the risk of not getting paid by offering a government guarantee.

This means businesses feel more confident to bid for overseas contracts, even if their balance sheet wouldn’t traditionally support the risk.

Early engagement with financial partners is crucial – don’t wait until the last minute to secure finance or insurance.

Make sure your bank can link you with trade finance specialists, export credit agencies, and advisory bodies so you have access to a seamless support network.

A recurring lesson from our customers involves managing payment risk, especially when dealing with new or complex markets.

Lincoln College Group told us how its ventures in Saudi Arabia, for example, taught hard lessons about delayed payments and the importance of structured contracts with clear payment plans.

Ensure contracts include enforceable payment terms and consider bonding or insurance solutions to safeguard cashflow. Partnering with organisations like UKEF could provide valuable risk mitigation tools when private insurance markets are unavailable.

Building relationships based on trust and transparency – combined with a clear understanding of cultural and regulatory nuances – could help you navigate the inevitable challenges of international payments.

Sometimes people assume that success in one market will automatically translate to another. It’s important to recognise the unique challenges of each new market and use local networks to understand whether your product or service will be successful there.

International trade demands strategic market selection. Not all markets offer equal opportunity or risk profiles and attempts to “go global” without deep insight could lead to costly setbacks.

Successful exporters invest time in understanding trade agreements, regulatory environments, and cultural contexts.

They “reverse engineer” their approach, starting with customer needs and working backwards to design products, services, and compliance frameworks that deliver value.

Whether you reach out to your local chamber, industry body or bank contact, they should be able to help you cut through regulatory complexity, ensuring you focus on the requirements most relevant to your sector and target market.

Lincoln College Group’s trade story highlights that no business succeeds in isolation.

For many UK businesses, exporting starts unexpectedly — an “accidental exporter” responding to an overseas order. The key is knowing where to find help, asking the right questions, and preparing early.

Access to finance, understanding origin rules, managing cashflow, investing in skills, and selecting markets strategically are foundational pillars of resilience. With the right partners and mindset, the global marketplace holds immense potential.

With thanks to Penny Taylor MBE, Head of Newark College and Air and Space Institute, part of Lincoln College Group, and Rick Long, Director of International Operations for sharing their international trade experience.

And to East Midlands Chamber Head of International Trade, Lucy Granger and Marie Hall, Regional Head, UK Export Finance for their insights.

If you’re a business exploring international trade, now is the time to harness the collective resources available. Build resilience, protect your cashflow, and access the finance you need to grow confidently on the world stage. Contact us today.