Sunderland-based computer software specialist Techtonik has seen its sales burgeon from £750,000 to £30 million over the past four years. It credits this success to government organisation UK Trade & Investment, which aims to give UK companies a headstart overseas.

UK Trade & Investment provides support services for UK companies engaged in overseas trade, as well as foreign businesses focused on the UK as an inward investment location. The body was previously known as Trade Partners UK and Invest UK, both part of British Trade International.

For companies looking to export for the first time or experienced in international trade, but expanding into new markets, UK Trade & Investment can give advice and professional research services. Ventures that are planning to set up in the UK can also benefit, as the body works closely with the English regional development agencies and the national development agencies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

‘There are two main things that we do. The first is 'Passport to export', a service that offers advice, assessment and skills-based programmes with up to £3,000 of match-funded support. It also includes six days of advice from an expert in our International Trade Team,’ explains UK Trade & Investment’s Scott McLean.

Another programme on offer is SESA, (support for exhibitions and seminars abroad), which allows firms to test out markets, approve agents and meet with wholesalers. There is also access to financial support, which can help subsidise places at trade fairs.

Techtonik secured financial support to travel to the USA and Australia, to revamp its website and to carry out market research.

Managing director Peter Johnson expects US sales to generate million a year for the company, with further sales to follow in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. These days the company employs 26 staff, and expects to add to that total at home, in the US and in Europe.

For more information, visit www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk.