There are relatively few grants around these days so the Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP) from the Department for International Trade (DIT) is a very popular scheme. UKFT delivers this scheme for fashion and textile companies but our shows nearly always include accessories and often also footwear and jewellery.

UK companies are potentially eligible for up to six TAP grants in the lifetime of their company or brand. The grants are usually approx. £1,200 towards the direct show costs. Grants are usually applied for through UKFT approximately three months before the show and paid out, once the exhibitor has shown and demonstrated full payment to the organiser, usually two months after the show.

There is a limited number of grants each season and UKFT is expected to justify the use of public funding by show and by exhibitor. We are required to confirm whether the company is ready to export and whether the brand represents a good return on investment (ROI) for the taxpayer. The company is also now required to share detailed financial details of the business which may have been secured or may be likely in the 18/24 months following the show.

As part of our service to you, we will talk you through your tradeshow options at our central London offices (in Bloomsbury) or by phone. We will tell you which shows could work best for your business size and collection. We can explain whether shows are suitable for you, how they work, how to visit (and what you need to do to get in) and how to apply for vetting if you decide to show. We handle the grant application for you, promote you as part of the group, collect in your proofs of payment to show that you have paid the organiser and send the grant money onto you after the show when it is received. A small group promotion fee applies to all groups to ensure that we are present at the show to meet all of the various obligations to government and that the group is promoted to buyers and press.

See downloads section for details on the TAP scheme.

For information please get in touch.

A comprehensive list of all overseas exhibitions can be found in the downloads section.