Sponsor Alliance


We, the undersigned, greatly value UKTI business schemes such as the trade fair (SESA) and mission schemes that provide us with financial and practical support to develop export sales. We further appreciate the role of business intermediaries, such as trade associations and chambers of commerce in adding value and sector expertise in the delivery of these schemes to industry. We are dismayed that the present Government is prepared to use public funds, previously used for UK trade development, to attract foreign firms to invest in the UK on favourable terms and in direct competition with us. We accept the need to reduce the cost of the Civil Service to the public, but query if the use of funds, previously used to support us to exhibit abroad, to employ 400 international trade advisers is in keeping with Treasury policy. We urge the incoming Government to review UKTI policy, not agreed with us and to engage with our industry representatives (ATOs) in determining a new strategy for supporting SME exporters, which we can endorse.
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		UKTI

		UKTI's budget for International Business Schemes will be reduced from Ł16 million in 2005/06 to about Ł10 million across ALL industry sectors in the UK; the bulk of that money will have to benefit directly core customers, the 'new-to-export' companies (defined as those for whom 'active' exports account for no more than 10% of total sales within a limit of 25% of total sales for both 'active' and 'reactive' exports); and the need for local delivery of grant support through International Trade Advisers (ITAs) in the UKTI network. UKTI realises that the proposed changes to the support scheme are difficult and contentious for many ATOs; that was again apparent from comments made in sessions between ATOs and UKTI in early February 2005. However, UKTI is forging ahead with its proposals, despite serious concerns from all industry sectors regarding their policy. It must be pointed out that UKTI consultation sessions with ATOs took place after they had decided the framework on how the scheme would evolve. The ATO community was not included from the start. UKTI Reasons for changing the SESA Scheme.pdf