Selected support programmes for the internationalisation of SMES (based on the example of the UK)

Purpose: The article discusses the conditions for the participation of British SMEs in foreign trade. The activities supporting the internationalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises in Great Britain are described. There was attempt to group these activities into the process of supporting internationalisation, distinguishing the following stages: preparation of support, preparation of programmes, development of IT tools. Obstacles to the implementation of undertaken internationalisation activities were identified. The main objective of the article was to indicate effective programmes supporting SMEs in Great Britain. Design/methodology/approach: An attempt was made to assess the effectiveness of internationalisation activities conducted in a specific period of time based on official reports and opinions of entrepreneurs and organisations supporting entrepreneurship. The research used literature studies and the desk research method consisting in compiling, analysing and processing data and information from existing sources, and finally formulating conclusions on their basis. Findings: The research presented provided an insight into the obstacles encountered in the process of internationalizing SMEs in the UK. Identifying the needs of SMEs was the basic activity to ensure the effectiveness of the support. The UK government has proposed solutions to facilitate border crossing by British SMEs. Before implementation, the effectiveness of these solutions was tested, and after implementation, their annual evaluation took place. Originality/value: The research perspective adopted in the research and the geographic scope of research – Great Britain, constitute a relatively little researched alternative to research conducted in their mainstream. The obtained research results may be of interest to representatives of science and practice, especially in the context of the new economic system after Brexit.