Using a Business Directory to Find Contacts for Import and Export Markets

In times gone past most businesses traded in a very small geographical area and both suppliers of raw materials and customers for the finished goods or services were within easy reach and well known to the business. Now most businesses are operating in a global market, with both suppliers and end users spread across the globe. Having the possibility of selling globally is of tremendous appeal to businesses from the UK, but unless all orders are to be fulfilled from the UK and sent overseas, before long the issue of having a foreign agent or distributor will arise. If the business also wishes to buy components or finished products from overseas, knowing where to start with finding a supplier in a country where you don’t speak the language can be very tricky. In these circumstances using an international business directory can be invaluable.

 

The Government’s department for Business, Innovation and Skills can offer a great deal of assistance to the potential exporter. They will assist with documentation required to bring goods across international borders, but will be unable to choose an overseas partner for the business. Luckily there are many private companies who have stepped in to fill the gap and provide plenty of information for a business starting on the export path.

 

Privately owned business directory companies such as Kompass manage an online database of suppliers and distributors across the globe. Drop down menus on their website allow a company to specify the exact industry sector they are looking at, and in which country. These menus are very detailed and allow the UK business to be very specific about the market they are looking at. Once a partner has been identified, contact details are listed on the website and the UK enterprise can call or email the business overseas to start the process of building a business relationship. General details about turnover, number of employees and the structure of the company are also given. A UK company can also register their details on the site in the hope of finding foreign partners too.

 

Another government department, UK Trade & Investment, also offers advice and help for UK companies trying to business overseas. They have an overseas presence in 96 countries through the UK embassy and consular network and their export professionals can help a UK business with finding trade fairs, market intelligence and cutting through the red tape and regulations. The department maintains its own business directory of trusted contacts in many countries across the globe and can also assist the potential exporter with overseas visits or supported trade missions to test the market before making any financial commitment.