Second Round of Export Programme Launched to Help Even More of our Firms go Global
Posted on 04 November 2025
A popular scheme helping more of our region’s firms sell to the world has been extended with an extra half a million pounds now available to more businesses.
A second round of the Tees Valley Export Fund has been launched by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority – offering a fresh £500,000 funding pot to help businesses across our region take their products and services to international markets.
The programme provides grants of between £3,000 and £10,000 to help Tees Valley businesses start or expand their export activities. This can cover attending overseas trade fairs to commissioning market research, adapting websites for new markets, or securing passes and licences to trade abroad.
The early strides of the scheme, which has backed dozens of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) so far, have sparked the Combined Authority to increase the funding available and open bids to all businesses – not just SMEs.
The aim is to boost the number of our region’s firms involved in exporting as well as increase both the range and value of exports from companies already trading internationally.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We’ve got world-class firms right across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool and we’re making sure they’ve got the backing to take their expertise global. We’ve made our stamp around the world throughout history and it’s right that we back our brilliant local businesses to do it once again.
“Our local engineering expertise is second to none and we’re fast establishing ourselves as a leader in digital and tech. Teesside’s local talent shines, which is why we’re going even further to showcase our region to the rest of the world.
“The first round of this export scheme has been very popular, and this support will help our brilliant businesses take their next step and show the world once again what we can do.”
Delivered in partnership with the Department for Business and Trade, this latest round of support is launching as part of the department’s International Trade Week (3 November – 7 November).
Businesses contribute a quarter of project costs as match funding towards the projects backed by the programme.
Applications for this second round open today (Tuesday, 4 November) and close on 25 November – with successful applicants to be notified in late December.
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke, Combined Authority Cabinet Member for Inward Investment and Finance, said: “This is another example of how we’re using funding to provide for what our businesses want and take our region forward.
“Exporting is one of the most effective ways for companies to grow sustainably, create skilled jobs and strengthen our economy. We want as many Tees Valley businesses as possible to benefit from this and thrive.
“Whether you’re exploring exporting for the first time, or looking to build on existing success, this support is designed to make it easier to take that next step and compete on a global stage.”
The Export Support programme is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Full details, including eligibility and how to apply, can be found at: Tees Valley Export Fund – Business
