The United Kingdom is set to champion global commerce with the announcement of International Trade Week (ITW) 2025, a comprehensive initiative designed to empower businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to expand their reach into international markets and contribute to economic prosperity. Scheduled to take place from November 3 to 7, the event offers a week packed with free expert-led events, workshops, and webinars.
Driving Export Growth and Economic Recovery
International Trade Week 2025, now in its fifth year, is spearheaded by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) in collaboration with industry partners and generously sponsored by Santander UK. The initiative aims to equip businesses with the essential skills and knowledge needed to overcome exporting barriers and compete effectively on the global stage. This push aligns with the UK’s broader economic strategy, leveraging recent landmark trade deals with the US, EU, and India, alongside the government’s dedicated Trade Strategy. The overarching goal is to foster economic growth, boost wages, and create jobs across the nation.
Empowering SMEs for Global Ambitions
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) form the backbone of the UK’s business landscape, making up 99.8% of the country’s enterprises. Recognizing their vital role, ITW 2025 places a strong emphasis on providing tailored support to these businesses. Through a diverse range of activities, from practical workshops for first-time exporters to strategic discussions on market entry, attendees will gain valuable insights and develop crucial exporting capabilities. This focus on SMEs underscores a shared interest between Santander UK and the DBT in nurturing their international growth and helping them connect with available resources and opportunities.
Key Organizers and Their Roles
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) leads the charge, driven by its mission to support economic growth by helping businesses invest, grow, and export. The department’s objectives include redrawing rules to ensure businesses thrive, securing investment, promoting British trade globally, and opening up new markets by removing trade barriers. Santander UK, as the lead sponsor, plays a crucial role in enhancing the week’s offerings by providing financial expertise and support. Their involvement helps businesses navigate international banking, currency risks, and trade finance complexities. This partnership highlights a commitment to ensuring that UK businesses have the necessary backing, both from government initiatives and the private sector, to achieve their international aspirations.
Leveraging Trade Deals and Government Support
International Trade Week 2025 arrives at a pivotal moment, following the UK’s establishment of significant trade agreements with the US, EU, and India. These deals are designed to reduce tariffs, streamline customs processes, and open up new markets, creating substantial opportunities for British firms. For example, the trade deal with India, signed in May 2025, is projected to generate an additional £4.8 billion annually for the UK economy and save UK exporters up to £400 million a year in reduced levies. To further support exporters, the government has expanded the capacity of UK Export Finance (UKEF) to £80 billion, offering guarantees, working capital, and insurance against buyer default. The new Business Growth Service also consolidates access to export funding and training resources, including the UK Export Academy, which successfully aided over 11,000 businesses in selling internationally in the past financial year.
A Catalyst for International Business
Past attendees have lauded International Trade Week as a catalyst for global thinking and a source of actionable insights. The event has been credited with opening doors to new markets and facilitating connections with key decision-makers, leading to tangible business opportunities. For businesses considering global expansion, ITW 2025 promises to be an invaluable platform for developing export knowledge, understanding market dynamics, and accessing the extensive support network available within the United Kingdom. The collaborative effort between government and the private sector signals a strong commitment to positioning the UK as a global leader in trade and fostering sustained economic growth through international business success. This news is trending among the business community as essential for anyone looking to tap into global markets. The United Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to its business sector is evident in these proactive initiatives.
