In 2003, Janette Benaddi, Managing Director of Medvance, a UK-based medical research company, signed up with UK Trade & Investment’s Passport to Export programme.

At the time she didn’t realise that her company would be exporting to the US in just six months. Benaddi’s Yorkshire-based company conducts studies and clinical trials for medical products such as hip implants, contact lenses, catheters, and other medical devices.

She signed up with the Passport to Export programme to find out more about potential overseas markets and develop an export portfolio. Advice from her local International Trade Adviser, and funding from UK Trade & Investment, allowed Benaddi to join a trade mission to the US organised by the Association of British Health Care Industry.

As a result, she won contracts with two US healthcare giants, Johnson & Johnson and Smith and Nephew.

UK goods have traditionally enjoyed a good reputation for quality in the US

STRONG TRADE AND INVESTMENT LINKS
Many UK companies, large and small, are finding that expanding their business into the US makes their company more profitable and increases productivity.

The US market, with every major industry represented, offers many opportunities, and aside from a few import quotas and strategic industry ownership restrictions, there are no limitations on foreign firms seeking to do business in the US. Exporters and investors worldwide recognise the benefits of the US’s political and economic stability, US manufacturers’ openness to outsourcing components, wider market access through NAFTA, and active support at the federal and state level for international investment.

It is no accident that the US is the UK’s largest export market and is the leading destination for UK overseas investment. The US is particularly attractive to UK exporters and investors because the UK and the US share a common history and culture; the UK is seen in a positive light by US business people and consumers; and UK goods have traditionally enjoyed a good reputation for quality in the US.The facts speak for themselves: UK goods exported to the US in 2003 totalled £28.8bn, 1.47% up on 2002. This makes the UK the sixth largest exporter to the US. The UK continues to be the leading foreign investor in the US with $283bn in 2002, representing 21% of total foreign direct investment into the country.

It is no accident that the US is the UK's largest export market

UK TRADE & INVESTMENT
UK Trade & Investment, the UK Government organisation that supports UK business wishing to trade internationally, and overseas businesses seeking to invest in the UK, helps UK companies capitalise on the opportunities in the US.

We offer advice and support to help grow what is already the world’s most dynamic bilateral business relationship.We assist UK companies, such as Medvance, by providing services through a network with partner agencies in regions across the UK and with national development agencies in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, to help companies realise their export potential.

In the US we have trade officers who are appointed for their knowledge of US industry, business practices and their network of contacts. The trade officers are based in 14 commercial sections of the British Embassy and Consulates throughout the US covering three time zones. Our services are confidential and tailored for the needs of your company. Ask us about market intelligence, joint ventures, regulations, sales leads and financial and practical support.

UK Trade & Investment has several up-to-date publications about doing business in the US, including: Exporting to the USA: Getting Started – A Practical Guide; Marketing in the USA; Establishing a Business Presence in the US; Selling Through US Agents and Distributors in the US; and Exhibiting at US Trade Shows: Tips to Help You Succeed. All publications can be found on: www.trade.uktradeinvest.gov.uk/usa

In addition to all this, UK Trade & Investment has been running a US Marketing Scholarship Programme for the past 10 years. The programme aims to give senior managers in UK SMEs the opportunity to learn more about marketing effectively in the USA and then to spend time with a company to see how it is done. So, not only do we help companies get started, but we also aim to help create and build competitive and sustainable companies. For more information, visit: www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk