The British Security Industry Association has achieved UKTI Accredited Trade Organisation status. As an Approved Trade Organisation (ATO) for the security sector, the association says that it 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 exhibitors in the UK pavilion offering shipping services and an onsite point of contact. The trade body will partake in the Trade Access Programme (TAP) and offer services to British businesses wishing to explore 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.
The BSIA says ATO status will also help exporters to access the government funds 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, pictured, says: “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.”
Visit www.bsia.co.uk/export-council.
