Latest updates and stories from Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce and its Members

Step-by-step guidance, expert advice, and fully funded resources to make international trade a reality.

For many local firms, the idea of trading overseas is both exciting and daunting. The rewards are clear - new customers, diversified markets, and opportunities to grow in ways that staying purely domestic can’t always provide. But let’s be honest, the challenges can feel just as big. Customs paperwork, compliance rules, shifting trade agreements, and finding reliable partners abroad can be a lot to take on.

Here at Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, we hear this from members time and again: “international trade feels like a leap into the unknown.” That’s exactly why we’re so pleased to confirm that, once again, local businesses can access fully funded support to help make that leap not only less intimidating, but genuinely exciting.

The International Trade Support Programme

Thanks to funding through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and support from both Luton and Central Bedfordshire Councils, our International Trade Support Programme is back. And the best part? It’s completely free for eligible businesses.

The programme is designed to meet you wherever you are on your exporting journey. Whether you’re making your very first steps into international trade or you’re already selling abroad and want to sharpen your processes, there’s something here for you.

Here’s what’s on offer:

• Workshops – up to four online sessions covering the nuts and bolts of exporting: documentation, compliance, duties, tariffs, and more. Think of these as the “essentials toolkit” for doing business overseas.
• One-to-one support – personalised consultations with experienced trade advisors to help you tackle specific barriers or explore particular markets.
• Tailored guidance and intelligence – so you can make decisions with confidence and spot opportunities before competitors do.
• Practical resources and tools – to help you manage the day-to-day realities of exporting smoothly and efficiently.

The programme is open to all eligible businesses in Luton and Central Bedfordshire, but places are limited, and demand is always high. If you’d like to take part, email export@chamber-business.com before 31st October 2025 to secure your place.

Your Go-To Resource: The Trade Explainer Hub

Alongside this local support, don’t forget the British Chambers of Commerce Trade Explainer Hub. This online resource takes the jargon and complexity out of global trade agreements and makes them simple to understand.

From live negotiations to recent developments, the hub explains what deals really mean for businesses like yours — whether that’s tariffs on goods, changes to regulations, or new market opportunities.

You can access and explore the hub at https://www.britishchambers.org.uk/policy-campaigns/global-britain/our-impact/trade-explainer-hub/

Why International Trade Matters Now

We know many of you are ambitious for growth but cautious about risk. Exporting can feel like a big step, yet research shows that businesses engaged in international trade are often more resilient, more innovative, and more profitable than those that stay local.

In today’s uncertain economy, spreading your risk across multiple markets can give you a stronger foundation for stability. And let’s not forget the other benefits: fresh ideas, stronger supply chains, and collaborations that make your business more competitive in the long run.

At the Chamber, we’re here to help you turn those opportunities into action. We’re not just here to provide information, we’re here to provide hands-on, practical support that really makes a difference.

The World is Waiting – Let’s Make it Yours

By combining the free, expert-led training of the International Trade Support Programme with the insights of the Trade Explainer Hub, we’re equipping Bedfordshire businesses with the knowledge, confidence, and tools to explore global opportunities.

If you’ve ever wondered whether international trade could be part of your growth story, now is the time to find out. Whether you’re preparing for your first overseas sale or scaling up an existing global footprint, at Beds Chamber, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

The world is waiting – let’s make it yours.

To learn more, visit www.chamber-business.com or call our friendly team on 01582 522448.