A new round of export grants is now available for businesses across York and North Yorkshire as the region steps up efforts to strengthen its international footprint. The scheme offers between £3,000 and £10,000 to help companies exhibit at overseas trade shows or launch targeted campaigns in new markets.
The support sits within the wider Business Innovation Fund, which also covers sector development, spin-outs and early-stage enterprises. Additional programmes centred on idea development and access to finance are due to launch soon.
The export push follows a series of roadshows that connected trade specialists with more than 100 firms across towns including Harrogate, Scarborough, Helmsley and York. Since its launch, the initiative has awarded almost £360,000 to 43 businesses.
Manufacturers are already using the funding to accelerate global reach. Pickering-based If Cardboard Creations will showcase its products at Ambiente in Germany next February. Its sales director, Stephen Mumford, said: “When we grow our sales through exports, we will need to employ more designers and drivers and that can only be great news for rural communities like Pickering. If it was easy everyone would be exporting their products, but the Get Exporting grants give us the confidence to take these opportunities.”
A Thirsk-based furniture and kitchen firm has also broadened its network in Hong Kong and Melbourne through the scheme.
The programme complements other recent investment commitments across the region, including major funds for high street renewal, carbon-reduction initiatives and workforce development.
