Go Further Grow Stronger

Increasing sales from businesses in Northern Ireland to markets outside the region is one of the most effective ways to stimulate economic recovery and transform the Northern Ireland economy growth. Get support to export globally.
Go Further Grow Stronger
Northern Ireland’s 10X Vision sets out the ambition to harness trade opportunities outside Northern Ireland to create a more prosperous and competitive economy for all.
Your business can be part of that exciting transformation. By exploring the export opportunities and accessing the support available, your business can go further and grow stronger.
Why should I sell outside NI?
Last year, Northern Ireland businesses exported goods and services worth £12.2billion globally; accounting for almost 16% of all local sales.
Companies have been particularly successful in international markets such as North America (£2,299), Asia (£894m) and Africa and the Middle East (£651m).
We export almost 30% of our services, with exports accounting for 8 – 10% of all our advanced manufacturing, construction, and production/agricultural exports sales.
* Source: Broad Economy Sales and Exports Statistics, NISRA (2021)
These markets present huge opportunities for businesses that provide services or produce products which are relevant to customers in different regions and countries. If your business is already successfully trading in GB, the Republic of Ireland or Europe, then international markets could be your next step.
As well as the potential benefits of increased sales and greater profits, targeting markets outside Northern Ireland can also:
- Stimulate creativity & innovation in your business as you evolve your products or services to serve new markets;
- Enhance your company brand & market positioning;
- Enhance resilience and reduce the risk to your business by over reliance on one market;
Register for an export focused event:
Export Health Check
To take the next step in your exporting journey, complete our Export Health Check.
Complete our Export Health Check to assess your existing exporting capability. By answering a few short questions we will provide a tailored guide that will give you the tools to develop your own bespoke export strategy.
How we can help
There is lots of support available to help you secure sales outside Northern Ireland.
Market research
Our Business Information Centre can provide free market and sector research reports and the Department of International Trade provides free Market Guides for UK businesses that are interested in selling overseas.
nibusinessinfo.co.uk
The nibusinessinfo.co.uk website provides detailed information and guides on selling outside Northern Ireland, both to neighbouring markets and further afield. These free guides cover topics such as choosing a market, procedures and licences and moving goods.
There are also resources to help businesses find funding and business-related training, workshops, networking, seminars and more from a range of stakeholders including councils, central government and the private sector to help you begin exporting.
International support and trade events
Invest Northern Ireland can provide hands-on support and mentoring for businesses wanting to sell outside Northern Ireland. We can support companies to participate in international trade events and our in-market teams can provide valuable insights and support to help you succeed in markets outside Northern Ireland.
Invest Northern Ireland may be subject to some eligibility criteria