Elaine Curran, Director of Trade and Investment
New to exporting? This is what you should know
Exporting is a catalyst for innovation, competitiveness, and long-term resilience. No matter the size of your business, exploring opportunities in international markets can help your business grow.
For companies new to exporting, understanding potential market opportunities and how to get started can make all the difference when taking that first step.
The opportunities
Confidence and capability remain two of the biggest barriers for new exporters. Exporting can feel daunting, but it becomes far more achievable when approached in stages.
There are global opportunities for Northern Ireland businesses across all sectors, thanks to our strong reputation for quality, innovation, and reliability. However, most Northern Ireland companies begin by selling into Great Britain (GB) and exporting to the Republic of Ireland (RoI), where cultural familiarity, short supply chains and the use of pounds and euros help them build momentum.
Northern Ireland is also the only region in the world with dual market access for goods to GB and the European Union. Dual market access allows businesses in Northern Ireland to trade goods freely with both GB and the European Union, a market worth over £6 trillion. This is a competitive advantage to exploit.
Based on the most recent figures, exports to RoI, our biggest export destination, are worth £8.7 billion.
The Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg are known as the Benelux region, which is a central trading and logistics hub that offers an ideal first step into continental Europe. The region has an open and proactive business culture, facilitating easy access to buyers and established distribution networks, making this the perfect springboard to access the rest of Europe.
Invest NI’s Going Dutch programme helped kitchen textile manufacturer Samuel Lamont and Sons step into the Dutch market. Within six months, the business found a distribution partner and now has products on shelves in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Once companies have gained experience exporting to the Benelux region, many businesses expand into larger European markets such as Spain, Italy, Poland, and other Northern European countries. These markets are not always straightforward, but they are accessible. Invest NI’s in-market teams and partners can support businesses in researching markets, validating opportunities, understanding local conditions and building the relationships that support long-term success.
How to get started
For early-stage exporters, the journey begins with understanding potential opportunities.
Market research and scoping can help businesses identify demand, assess competition and understand customer expectations. An export strategy is also essential to consider associated risks, objectives, pricing, and distribution channels.
Invest NI’s Business Information Centre, along with the practical guidance available through nibusinessinfo.co.uk, provides reliable data, sector insights and market intelligence that help companies make informed decisions from the outset. This early research reduces risk and gives businesses the clarity they need to prioritise the right markets.
Capability building is critical and Invest NI’s export programmes can give businesses the skills, structure and confidence they need to succeed internationally. Invest NI can also help with organised trade missions and in-market support to help businesses understand market dynamics, value propositions, and develop the practical know-how needed to win and service new customers overseas.
Export to grow
With comprehensive market support, dual market access, export capability-building development and a clear pathway into Europe and beyond, Northern Ireland firms are better placed than ever to grow their international sales.
Are you ready to take the first step?
Visit investni.com/export to find out how we can help you on your exporting journey.
This feature first appeared in Business Eye magazine on Monday 9 March 2026.
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