US market drives growing export ambitions for UK small businesses
Nearly half (44%) of UK small businesses see North America as the international market with the greatest export opportunity, according to new research from Small Business Institute, highlighting growing ambition to expand into the US market.
The research, based on responses from more than 500 small businesses, also highlights growing momentum behind UK exports, with one in five (20%) expecting to increase international sales over the next 12 months and 14% saying they feel very positive about exporting internationally. However, less than a third (29%) currently export to the North American market.
Small businesses account for 99% of all UK businesses and around half of private sector turnover, yet Government data released in September 2025 showed that just 17% of small businesses currently export their goods or services. The US remains the UK’s largest export market, importing more than £200bn worth of UK goods and services each year, highlighting the significant opportunity for the UK’s 5.7 million small businesses.
To help more small businesses capitalise on trade with the US, entrepreneurs from across the UK will be able to explore export opportunities and showcase British innovation to the American market with the Great British Pitch USA, taking place on 8th September in Central London.
Following the success of the Great British Pitch India, part of the flagship Great British Pitch campaign aimed at helping small businesses build on export ambitions. The one-day event is aimed at promoting UK-USA trade relations, giving 50 export ready UK small businesses the opportunity to pitch live to a panel of American buyers from a variety of sectors across the food, drink and retail space.
Entrepreneurs will receive tailored training and coaching ahead of their pitches, delivered via livestream to American buyers, as well as a comprehensive post event support package.
The event is led by Small Business Britain and Michelle Ovens, CBE, CEO and Founder of Small Business Britain and Adviser to the UK Government’s Board of Trade, with support from the Department of Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.
Michelle Ovens CBE, CEO and founder of Small Business Britain, said: “Small businesses have the ability to succeed on the world stage, and the desire we’re seeing to expand into the US market is hugely encouraging.
“The US holds enormous opportunity, with strong demand for our products and services, we need to capitalise on that by providing small businesses with the confidence and support to turn export opportunities into real growth. Helping more entrepreneurs trade successfully with the US will not only strengthen UK-US trade ties but ultimately support growth across the UK economy. I’m looking forward to seeing what success comes out of Great British Pitch US for our British entrepreneurs.”
Minister for trade Anas Sarwar, said: “The US is our single biggest trading partner, and initiatives like Great British Pitch USA show how working hand-in-hand with industry helps ambitious UK entrepreneurs get in front of buyers, win new business, and turn export ambition into export success.
“That’s good for businesses, good for jobs, and good for growth in every postcode.”
For further information and to register for further events please visit https://smallbusinessbritain.uk/the-great-british-pitch