1. You Grow Your Customer Base 

Venturing beyond UK borders opens a world of possibilities. By tapping into new markets, you're not just increasing your customer base—you're multiplying it. Imagine the potential when your products or services reach eager consumers across Europe, North America, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. 

Success Story no 1: A small company that we know selling anniversary gifts expanded into the US market, leveraging the shared culture and similar consumer trends. Within a short space of time, their international sales surpassed domestic revenue. They are selling not just in the US but also in Australia and New Zealand. Proving that niche products can find massive audiences abroad!

2. You Build a Global Brand 

Going global isn't just about selling more—it's about becoming a recognized name on the world stage. When you operate internationally, you're not just a local business; you're a global player. This elevated status can help you attract high-profile partnerships with wholesalers and distributors, get you better media coverage and also enhance your credibility with potential investors. Everybody loves a company which has succeeded not just in one country but in several! 

As an entrepreneur, never hesitate to leverage shared culture, shared language and shared needs. If there is a market which speaks English, which thinks and acts in a similar way and which has similar needs, chances are that the products you sell in the UK will work very well in that country too. 

Success Story no 2:  A Manchester based company who we are working with makes food for people with special diets. They found important markets in Europe and the US where the needs, requirements and the tastes were exactly like those in the UK. Sales overseas are getting on for 30% of total sales, and the volumes they are getting off these sales are enabling significant productivity gains and cost savings. 

3. You benefit from Economies of Scale and Innovation Gains 

As your operations expand, so do your opportunities for efficiency and innovation: 

You get lower costs as you can do larger production runs. 

You can consider launching new product lines for products for which you were not able to get sufficient demand in the UK. 

As your company gets exposed to diverse markets people inside your company get new ideas and acquire new skill sets and market knowledge. This is exactly what a small company needs to get better and scale and compete. 

Remember: the global marketplace is dynamic. Today's emerging market could be tomorrow's economic powerhouse. By establishing your presence early, you're positioning your business for future growth. 

4. You develop your team’s talent – And you end up paying them better 

Going global isn't just about selling—it's about growing your team's capabilities: 

As soon as you start working on an international launch, your team starts acquiring knowledge and skills. You may also be hiring some international talent at this stage. When they work with your UK team, skills and knowledge get transferred both ways. You develop a globally minded team which is more knowledgeable and more productive. 

Interesting fact: Studies show that companies which sell overseas are able to pay their staff more. This along with the experience and the fun that they get on the way encourages them to stay longer in their roles and become more productive. It’s a virtuous cycle, because the company benefits from this process as well. 

5. Risk & Currency Diversification 

Expanding internationally can act as a hedge against economic uncertainties: 

You spread risk across multiple markets and you reduce dependence on just one economy. You can also capitalize on growth in markets which are taking off. 

Success story no 3: A Manchester based drinks company that we know is in the process of securing their first order to a distributor in China. It turns out that Manchester branded products are in great demand there thanks to football.  We are now helping them open discussions with other parties in other markets in Asia as well.

The Time is Now 

In an era of digital connectivity, there's never been a better time for British SMEs to go global. The world is waiting for your unique products, services, and innovations. By taking your business international, you're not just expanding your company—you're expanding your horizons, your capabilities, and your potential for success. 

Remember, every global business started as a local one. There is literally no excuse to not go overseas. Your British SME could be the next international success story. The question isn't "Why go global?"—it's "Why not?" 

Taking the First Steps 

While the prospect of going global may seem daunting, you don't have to do it alone.  

At the Growth Company, we have a team of business advisors with different and complementary skill sets and experience who you can reach out to for 1 on 1 consultations, advice and workshops.  

To learn more about the exploration and opportunities of going global, please get in touch with our International Growth Advisors: Nicola Anderson, Edy Heng and myself.  We look forward to connecting and speaking with you. 

About the Author 

Ishan Dutta is an International Growth Advisor at Business Growth Hub. He has an MA from Oxford and an MBA from INSEAD France. He has worked in business management roles in multinationals such as L’Oréal, Henkel and Symantec. He founded a Los Angeles based e-commerce company which is currently looking to expand to Europe. He has lived and worked in multiple countries in Europe, Asia and the US.