PRESS RELEASE : Statement on the UK – U.S. SME Dialogues – California [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 6 October 2023.

Statement follows the seventh meeting of the UK – U.S. SME Dialogues in Indio, California.

On 5 October 2023, the 7th UK – U.S. SME Dialogue was held in Indio, California with over 70 UK and U.S. small and medium sized businesses and business organisations participating.

The Dialogue was hosted by the Cabazon Band of Cahuilla Indians, and is convened by the Office of the United States Trade Representative, the Department of Commerce, and the Small Business Administration with the Department for Business and Trade.

Since its inception in 2018, the UK – U.S. SME Dialogue has continued to bring together small and medium sized businesses on both sides of the Atlantic with UK and U.S. government representatives to explore the challenges and opportunities faced by SMEs looking to export across the Atlantic. SMEs are the backbone of the UK-U.S. trading relationship, and the Dialogue reflects the ongoing commitment from both countries to supporting and enhancing UK – U.S. SME trade.

During the Dialogue, a series of panel discussions covered opportunities for SMEs looking to grow through UK – U.S. trade. Attendees discussed the opportunities for SMEs in services trade and opportunities in the green technology sector that can contribute to energy and climate solutions. SMEs also raised their concerns about the barriers they face in exporting and importing, including access to SME finance.

A key focus of the Dialogue was how the UK and U.S. governments can support small businesses, including those owned by under-represented groups and women entrepreneurs, and those in disadvantaged communities, to take advantage of export resources. During the Dialogue, and following a commitment made at the 6th SME Dialogue 2022 held in Edinburgh, the UK announced the launch of updated resources that provide advice and support for SMEs wanting to export to the U.S.

• Doing Business Toolkit: This toolkit contains advice, Top Tips and resources for SMEs looking to grow their business in the UK and export to exciting markets such as the U.S.
• E-Commerce Toolkit: Advice for UK SMEs selling online to the U.S.