Question to the Department for International Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what plans her Department has to provide SMEs in the maritime sector with grants to support their attendance at international trade shows.

The Department for International Trade recently launched its new Export Strategy which included announcing the UK Tradeshow Programme. The scheme provides eligible UK businesses in all sectors, including Maritime, with bespoke trade show educational support to help maximise their potential and optimise their exhibition experience. Some applicants will also be offered financial assistance towards eligible costs.

Applications opened on 30 November 2021 with the aim of supporting businesses who are looking to exhibit. The programme will expand from January 2022, offering support to businesses to attend a show as a precursor to deciding whether to exhibit in the future. Further information, including details on how companies can apply for the programme, can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/uk-tradeshow-programme.