UKTI commissioned independent research into this recently and the key findings from SME exporters surveyed were:

• 58% said that exporting led to a level of growth not otherwise possible for their company.
• 59% developed or modified a product as a result of doing business abroad.
• 44% reported a direct link between exporting and increased turnover.
• 44% said exporting significantly increased their profile/credibility.
• The creation of an overseas presence led on average to the creation of a further 3.5 jobs in the UK.

So where in the world to go?

Despite the doom and gloom in the Eurozone we're not suggesting companies dismiss Europe. There are still flourishing markets in certain sectors and we are certainly continuing to provide trade missions to key European markets. However, we are also encouraging firms to look further afield.

The research shows that SMEs are aware of this and are not restricting themselves to traditional markets like Western Europe. About a third of all SME exporters already export outside of Europe. The survey shows that 40% of " young " exporters (ie exporting for less than two years) are doing business with at least one high growth market outside Europe. A further 25% say they are " very likely" to take a step into a high growth market in the next two years.

In order to help SMEs find out more about potential markets overseas we run a series of visits to target countries. In fact we've recently confirmed our West Midlands' programme of market visits, which enable local SMEs to visit potential international sales leads, attend trade fairs, meet prospective agents and distributors and carry out market research.

Some of the territories we shall be visiting over the coming year include: Brazil, India, China, Australia, USA, Japan and Singapore.

As part of the service we provide companies with support both before and during the visit through the Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS), which includes assistance from the British Consulates, Embassies and High Commissions overseas.

No matter what size your business, it's a fact that doing business overseas can not only improve the bottom line but can lead directly to growth, improved efficiency, new ideas for products and services and increased confidence and ambition.

For more infomation about the West Midlands programme of international market visits call 0845 074 3515.

For more information on the research mentioned, you can view: "Bringing home the benefits - how to grow through exporting" free of charge at www.ukti.gov.uk. The site will also signpost you to the support offered by UKTI and partners to help companies to export.