The free sessions have been introduced by the DIT Midlands, following demand from busy businesses that do not have time to send staff on half-day seminars on the subject. Based on the DIT Midlands team’s already successful business and cultural masterclasses, which it hosts across the region throughout the year, the sessions will enable businesses to focus on how to target specific markets – from France and the Netherlands to China and the Middle East.

They will focus on a range of aspects, including being aware of the importance of relationship building and what is involved, adapting products to overseas markets, negotiating skills, customer service expectations, and internationalising websites and literature.

Christine Hamilton, interim regional director of the Department for International Trade Midlands, said: “Our business culture masterclasses have proven to be very popular because they give an in-depth overview of the history, morals and ethics of specific cultures – whether that is in Turkey, China or South America. These tailored packages will enable businesses to host sessions for their staff at their own premises, and at their own convenience. It doesn’t matter whether it is a first-time exporter looking to secure sales in Germany or an established overseas seller that wants to extend its reach to the Middle East, our experts will be able to provide the key information that will help them communicate in the best way, how to negotiate and getting the tone right.”

The Department for International Trade’s Exporting Opportunities site has the latest details of goods and services that overseas businesses are looking for – from horticultural consultancy services in India and forest ecosystems valuation consultancy needs in Bhutan to railway projects in Japan and infrastructure projects in the Philippines.