Promoting International Trade

For those looking to expand by trading internationally, HMRC has recently issued a guide* to exporting and importing. Intended for the first time international trader as well as those looking to brush up on their knowledge the guide is specifically aimed at those trading outside the EU.

At 69 pages long the HMRC guide is not for the faint hearted but does set out the answers to the most commonly asked questions. The guide also runs through the documents required as well as setting out the roles and responsibilities of agencies such as the UK Border agency and the HMRC departments dealing with international matters such as VAT, Excise, etcetera.

Of course, knowing the right procedures to follow when trading outside the EU is only part of the story. To be able to trade means having contacts with potential suppliers or clients and that is not always easy even in these multinational times. Whilst attracting international clients is easier than in pre-internet days it is still important to make it as easy as possible for clients to contact you. Luckily services such as the Callagenix International Phone Number service are there to help you.

Using International Phone Number services allows a business to advertise a local presence in over 100 countries worldwide without needing to establish a physical presence in those countries. International regional or freephone numbers enable a business to advertise a local number whilst automatically diverting calls to an office anywhere in the world. This means that your potential customers are more likely to relate to you as a local business whilst allowing you to trade globally.

Just taking one example, suppose you wanted to offer your product or service in the Chinese market. A China 401 toll free number will allow anyone within the 31 Chinese provinces to dial your business without charge. An automatic call forwarding function diverts the calls to your nominated switchboard and on to the right person within your firm. For example, if you also trade with countries other than China your virtual switchboard could be programmed to route the China 401 calls to a designated department within your firm which is staffed with Chinese speaking employees.

With the Callagenix international phone service opening up your contact range and the HMRC document giving you guidelines you can be ready to join the 73%** of UK SMEs who believe in an export led economic recovery.

*To find the Import/Export document search under “HMCE_PROD_008051”
**American Express FX International Payments survey May 2011