Breaking into the top 10%
- Giles Dunbar-Brunton
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Introduction: The Missed Opportunity
The UK is one of the world’s leading trading nations—yet around 90% of UK businesses never export. That means the vast majority are relying solely on domestic demand, competing in crowded markets, and missing significant growth opportunities overseas.
Exporting isn’t just for large corporations. In reality, many smaller UK businesses already have products or services that would perform strongly in international markets—they just haven’t taken the first step.
So why do so many businesses hold back?
Why Most UK Businesses Never Export
1. “We Don’t Know Where to Start”
The single biggest barrier is uncertainty.Which country? Which customers? Which route to market?
Without clear answers, exporting feels like a risk rather than an opportunity.
2. Fear of Complexity
Many businesses assume exporting involves:
Complex paperwork
Legal hurdles
Logistics challenges
While these are real considerations, they are far more manageable than most expect—especially with the right guidance.
3. Lack of Time and Resource
For many SMEs, exporting is seen as something that requires:
A dedicated export manager
Significant upfront investment
Months of planning
In reality, a focused and structured approach can deliver results quickly.
4. Waiting for Enquiries Instead of Creating Demand
Some businesses “export by accident”—reacting to occasional overseas enquiries.
But without a proactive strategy, this leads to missed opportunities and inconsistent growth.
The Reality: Exporting Is More Accessible Than You Think
The businesses that succeed in exporting don’t necessarily have better products—they have a clear, practical strategy.
They:
Identify the right markets first
Focus their efforts
Enter with a defined route to market
Act quickly and refine as they go
This is what separates the top 10% from the rest.
How to Break Into the Top 10% of UK Exporters
Step 1: Identify Your Best 2–3 Markets
Not all markets are equal.The key is to find where:
Demand already exists
Competition is manageable
Your offer has a clear advantage
Step 2: Validate Demand Before You Invest
Before committing time and money, test the opportunity:
Is there real demand?
Who are the buyers?
What price will the market accept?
This removes risk and builds confidence.
Step 3: Define Your Route to Market
Successful exporters don’t “hope” for sales—they plan for them.
Options may include:
Distributors
Agents
Direct sales
Strategic partnerships
Step 4: Take Action Quickly
Speed matters.The longer a business delays, the more opportunity is lost to competitors.
A structured approach allows you to move forward with clarity, not guesswork.
The Key Insight
Most UK businesses don’t fail at exporting—they simply never start.
Those that do take the first step, with the right focus, often discover:
New revenue streams
Reduced reliance on the UK market
Strong long-term growth potential
Your Next Step: Get Your Free Export Plan
If you’re considering exporting—or want to grow your existing international sales—the first step is clarity.
👉 We will identify your top three export markets in just 7 days.👉 We’ll show you where the demand is—and how to access it.👉 We’ll outline a clear, practical route to market.
There’s no cost and no obligation.
Start Here
Get your free export plan today and take the first step towards international growth.
Why Work With Us?
We are a small group of export professionals with over 40 years of experience across 60 countries.
We don’t offer theory—we deliver:
Practical market insights
Real-world strategies
Hands-on implementation
We help you move from idea to export sales—quickly and effectively.
Final Thought
If 90% of UK businesses never export, the opportunity is clear:
You don’t need to compete with everyone—just be one of the few who take action.
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