British equestrian companies may be eligible for funding towards developing business in markets overseas. The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) has been made a UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) Trade Challenge Partner, allowing it to help promote UKTI services and companies in the export market.
The trade fair funding scheme (TAP) has been enhanced to include more events and more small to medium enterprise exporters. Grants of up to £3,000 are available.
“There has probably never been a more important time for businesses to take part in exhibitions and to present themselves to an overseas audience,” said BETA executive director Claire Williams. “British equestrian products are held in high regard by other countries and an improved TAP offer means that more companies will be able to break into new markets or support existing export business.”
UKTI has also relaxed qualifications for matched funding for grants, with eligible companies called to pay costs of at least up to the level of the given grant.
BETA is now planning its programme of events up to 2015, to include: Spoga Autumn, Germany, 8-10 September (grant level £1,500); China Horse Fair, Beijing, 17-19 October (grant level £2,500); Equitana Asi a Pacific, Australia, 15-17 November (grant level £2,000); Salon du Cheval, France, 7-10 December (grant level £1,500); Dubai International Horse Fair, United Arab Emirates, 13-15 March 2014 (grant level £2,500); World Equestrian Games, France, 24 August- 7 September 2014 (grant level £1,500); and Spoga Horse, Germany, September 2014 (grant level £1,500).
Further events planned but awaiting approval from UKTI are: Eurohorse, Sweden, 27 February-2 March 2014 (grant level £1,500); Equist, Turkey, April 2014 (grant level £2,500); China Horse Fair, Beijing, October 2014 (fund level £2,500); Equitana Asia Pacific, Melbourne, Australia, November 2014 (fund level £2,000); Swedish Horse Show, Stockholm, Sweden, December 2014 (fund level £1,500); and Dubai International Horse Fair, UAE, March 2015 (fund level £2,500).
Grants per company are available, depending on the show and eligibility. Places in the groups are open to both BETA members and non-BETA members, but limited availability means that potential participants should register their interest as soon as possible. Contact Tina Rogers tel: 01937 587062 or Claire Williams: Claire@beta-uk.org.
