UK Trade & Investment has a wide range of services to help companies in the Creative Industries break into overseas markets.

1) The Passport program is a step by step process designed for new exporters, offering assessment, mentoring, planning and information on how to succeed in overseas markets. There are various matched funding grants and subsidies available for help with training, marketing, translation, travel and exhibiting. The program encourages change in business behaviour and is completely flexible to suit the particular needs of each company. Tel: 0845-600-9006

2) The International Business Scheme is a single, flexible, market visit support scheme. On offer is a combined program of exhibitions, seminars and sector-focused missions. Any SME, university, or research establishment can apply for support, which now covers 50% of the cost of stand space and construction costs (max £2500) for trade fairs and seminars, and travel and accomodation costs for sector focused missions.

3) The Solo Show Support Scheme is designed to help companies exhibit at trade fairs that are not covered by the International Business Schemes program of events.

4) The Inward Missions Scheme supports visits to the UK by overseas key decision makers, who are in aposition to influence the purchase of UK goods and services, allowing the, to see for themselves what is available from UK industry.

5) The Support for Export Marketing Research Scheme is a service for companies wishing to carry out more in depth marketing research into a particular market. Professional export marketing research staff can help you draw up an appropriate specification for the research work which can be carried out either by your in house staff (outside western Europe) or by a professional marketing research consultant. Companies with fewer than 500 employees may be eligible for a grant of up to 50% of the agreed cost of the project for companies and 75% for trade associations, up to a maximum of £20,000. Contact British Chambers of Commerce, Tel 024-76-694484, www.britishchambers.org.uk/exportzone/emrs

6) The UK Suppliers database makes basic details of british products and services available on the Internet free of charge allowing overseas buyers to find you. This is a free service and over 60,000 firms are already on the database. Any UK exporter or would be exporter can have an entry.

7) The Sales Leads Service offers British companies free export sales leads via staff in embassies and consulates worldwide. www.trade.uktradeinvest.gov.uk/register.shtml

8) The Overseas Market Introduction Service will help research, arrange appointments and guide you through the process of exporting to markets involved in the scheme. The aim is to support you with market information, potential contacts, and ultimately guide you to successful completion of a visit to the market. There are three varying levels of prices charged for this service depending on the depth of services requested, £300, £600, £1200.

9) The Creative & Media Export Unit aim to build business success overseas in partnership with the UK's creative industries nd to help increase overseas business won through the development and implementation, in partnership with sector sponsors and intermediaries, of trade promotion and development strategies.

Contact: Dina Patel- Music, Film, TV, Radio, Animation (dina.patel@uktradeinvest.gov.uk)

Jeff Kennett- Digital Content, Computer Games, Publishing (jeff.kennett@uktradeinvest.gov.uk)

Kay Kaur- Design, Performing Arts (kay.kaur@uktradeinvest.gov.uk)