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Support for export marketing research

Few exporters would deny the value of serious, professional market research, yet many of us continue to base our strategies on instinct, assumptions and the ubiquitous “feel for the market”.

But professional export marketing research is surprisingly accessible and affordable through the long-established and flexible Export Marketing Research Scheme (EMRS).

Under EMRS, which is managed by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) on behalf of UK Trade and Investment, businesses with under 500 employees are eligible for market research grants of up to £20,000.

Three types of research

EMRS offers support for three different types of research – in-house, consultancy or desk-based, and the BCC professional advisers are available to help choose the most appropriate medium for each individual case.

1. In-house research
This type of support is only available for research conducted outside the EU, and generally applies when you want to use a member of staff. EMRS can pay up to half the costs of essential travel and subsistence, interpreters fees and a contribution towards administrative costs.

2. Consultancy
Where you prefer to use external consultants, either because you lack the in-house skills or because you prefer your research to be conducted anonymously, you can be eligible for up to 50% of the project costs. BCC helps you select and evaluate an appropriate consultant for this route.

3. Desk-based research
For cases where market research reports are already available for purchase, or where a professional consultant can assess an overseas market based on telephone interviews, EMRS can cover one-third of the costs.

This does not, however, extend to directories or general country overviews – the project must be market-specific.

The BCC website (see address below) includes valuable links to many of the main publishers of suitable market research studies.

Field and desk research studies may be used in combination, and companies may receive support for up to ten product-specific studies.

The BCC, however, considers it unlikely that businesses less than two years old and employing under five staff would be eligible for the scheme.

Contact: Jessica Bower
Tel: 024 7669 4484
Email: j.bower@britishchambers.org.uk
Web: www.britishchambers.org.uk