| BSIA will lead the way in facilitating UK security companies' attendance at overseas trade shows |
The British Security Industry Association has successfully achieved UKTI Accredited Trade Organisation status and will lead the way in facilitating UK security companies' attendance at overseas trade shows.
BSIA will take the lead in taking UK companies to overseas shows
As an Approved Trade Organisation (ATO) for the security sector, the Association will take the lead in taking UK companies to overseas shows, while assisting companies with their Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP) applications, which means that exhibitors can receive up to £2500 in funding (providing they meet UKTI’s criteria) to offset their exhibition costs.
As an ATO, the BSIA will also provide management services for those organisations exhibiting in the UK pavilion offering shipping services and an onsite point of contact to assist with any issues they might have. The Association will partake in the Trade Access Programme (TAP) and offer additional services and support to British businesses wishing to explore new opportunities in overseas markets. The status will formalise this role and is an endorsement of the activities already undertaken by the Association's dedicated Export Council, a forum of companies focused on expanding their business abroad.
Help exporters to access the government funds
The BSIA's ATO status will also help exporters to access the government funds that are available to companies who choose to exhibit on TAP supported pavilions organised by the Association. It is UKTI’s current strategy to increase interest in the high growth emerging markets whilst still recognising the importance of elsewhere.
Daren Wood, Membership and Export Services Manager at the BSIA, coordinated the accreditation process and comments: "The BSIA has already organised pavilions at IFSEC Southeast Asia and Intersec Dubai, and as an ATO we expect to be able to offer the same services and support for other exhibitions as identified by EC members.
"As well as raising the profile of the Association and UK Plc, TAP Accreditation provides the BSIA with the continued opportunity to provide valuable input with government at policy level, which will prove beneficial for our members."
For more information about the BSIA and its Export Council, visit the International Lounge on Stand B1350 at IFSEC International 2015 from 16 - 18 June 2015.