International Trade Week 2025 is officially set to take place from 3 to 7 November 2025, offering businesses across the UK an entire week of free events, expert-led workshops, and webinars aimed at helping them expand internationally and secure global opportunities. Announced by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and sponsored by Santander UK, the event represents one of the government’s biggest pushes to strengthen British exports and drive economic growth.
The initiative comes at a crucial time for the UK economy, with the government highlighting international trade as a major lever for boosting wages, creating jobs, and supporting sustainable long-term growth. The announcement also follows the UK’s three landmark trade deals with the US, EU, and India, along with the unveiling of a comprehensive Trade Strategy that aims to simplify exporting and give businesses the confidence to compete in overseas markets.
Why International Trade Week 2025 Matters
International trade is one of the most powerful engines of economic growth. According to government data, SMEs make up 99.8% of the UK business population, yet only a fraction of them currently export goods and services. The government’s goal is to encourage more firms to expand internationally, taking advantage of the new trade agreements and removing barriers to entry for small and medium-sized businesses.
International Trade Week 2025 will serve as a practical resource for businesses that are curious about exporting but unsure where to start. Whether it’s identifying overseas buyers, understanding customs regulations, or securing export financing, the event provides a one-stop platform to learn from experts and network with industry peers.
What Businesses Can Expect During International Trade Week 2025
The five-day programme will include:
- Workshops and Webinars: Covering topics such as export planning, international marketing, logistics, customs documentation, and accessing trade finance.
- Market Insights: Sessions dedicated to high-potential export markets, including the US, EU, India, and emerging economies in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
- Networking Opportunities: Virtual and in-person networking sessions designed to connect UK businesses with global buyers, investors, and government trade representatives.
- Access to Export Funding: Information on financial support from UK Export Finance (UKEF) and grants available to exporters.
- UK Export Academy: Special training programmes to help businesses develop the skills needed to sell overseas, building on the success of last year when more than 11,000 businesses benefited from the academy’s resources.
Support for SMEs and First-Time Exporters
A major emphasis of International Trade Week 2025 is helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are often the backbone of innovation but face challenges scaling globally. DBT and Santander UK are committed to providing targeted support to SMEs so that they can overcome obstacles such as limited knowledge, lack of contacts, and concerns about compliance with international standards.
John Baldwin, CEO of Santander Corporate and Commercial Banking, noted:
“In our work with internationally ambitious businesses, we know that they face challenges as they scale, but their entrepreneurial spirit and resilience always shines through. Initiatives such as International Trade Week are vital for helping businesses grow overseas and receive the much-needed support they seek.”
A Platform to Build Long-Term Global Partnerships
Beyond providing information, International Trade Week 2025 is positioned as a catalyst for creating lasting partnerships. Businesses attending the event can expect to meet key decision-makers, international buyers, and representatives from government and trade bodies who can open doors to new markets.
Byron Dixon OBE, CEO of Micro-Fresh and an attendee of ITW 2024, shared his experience:
“International Trade Week exceeded expectations. It’s not just an event; it’s a catalyst for UK businesses to think globally. The mix of practical workshops and strategic discussions made it both inspiring and actionable. The week opened doors to new markets and introduced us to key decision-makers. We’ve already started conversations that could lead to partnerships in Europe and the Middle East – opportunities that wouldn’t have happened without ITW.”
Part of a Bigger Plan for UK Trade
International Trade Week 2025 ties into the government’s Plan for Change, which focuses on increasing productivity, improving access to global markets, and helping UK firms take full advantage of free trade agreements. With Brexit reshaping the UK’s trading relationships, events like this provide a roadmap for companies to thrive in a competitive global economy.
The government is also making its wide-ranging support more accessible through the Business Growth Service, which consolidates information on funding, advice, and trade missions in one place. This digital platform is designed to guide businesses through every step of their export journey.
Registration and How to Take Part
Businesses of all sizes and sectors are encouraged to participate in International Trade Week 2025, whether they are exploring export opportunities for the first time or looking to grow existing international sales. Registration is open online via the Department for Business and Trade’s official website, where businesses can choose which sessions and markets are most relevant to them.
The Bigger Picture: Growing the UK Economy
Events like International Trade Week 2025 play a crucial role in building a resilient, globally competitive economy. By encouraging more companies to sell internationally, the UK can diversify its revenue sources, protect jobs from domestic market downturns, and position itself as a leader in sectors like technology, manufacturing, and services.
For businesses, the event offers not just education but real opportunities for growth. With government backing, sponsorship from Santander UK, and participation from industry experts, this year’s edition promises to be the most impactful yet.
Source: GOV.UK
