West Midlands Export Support Programme Extended to 2026
By Anushka Malhotra
1 minute 16 seconds
Investment
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Quick Read: The Exporting Starts Here programme has been extended to 2026, offering free international trade support to West Midlands businesses across key sectors.
West Midlands businesses looking to expand into international markets will continue to benefit from expert support, as the Exporting Starts Here programme has been extended until March 2026.
The programme, which offers free, practical export advice, is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) through Business Growth West Midlands and led by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. It covers Coventry, Birmingham, Solihull and the Black Country, with delivery support from the Greater Birmingham and Black Country Chambers of Commerce.
Launched in November 2023, the initiative has already supported over 100 businesses, providing one-on-one advice, online training, and live events — with a major international trade conference planned for later this year.
Exporting Starts Here focuses on high-potential sectors including aerospace, electric vehicle manufacturing, health and med tech, logistics, financial services, and e-commerce, but companies from all sectors are encouraged to apply.
Keely Hancox, from the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber, said the programme has already demonstrated measurable results in helping firms boost international sales and profitability:
“In the current climate of uncertainty around trade deals and tariffs, this programme provides grounded, actionable support to help local businesses expand globally.”
Business advisor David Hooper added:
“Firms have weathered Brexit and now face constant updates around trade regulations. This programme gives them the guidance they need to move forward with confidence.”
One local company already seeing success is PortalZero, a Coventry-based startup developing off-grid cooking solutions for campervans. Co-founder Scott Shearan praised the support:
“The Chamber helped turn our innovation into a global opportunity.”
Nayden Yurukov, also a co-founder, said:
“We were exploring the Australian market but didn’t know how to begin. The Exporting Starts Here programme gave us both the tools and the confidence.”
Applications remain open. Businesses interested in export support can visit: cw-chamber.co.uk/international-trade/Exporting-Starts-Here or email: exporting@cw-chamber.co.uk.
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