International Toolkit
A Collaborative Success with The Crafts Council
Working in partnership with the Crafts Council, Onwards and Up delivered a COMPREHENSIVE International Toolkit designed to transform how craft businesses approach global markets. This great collaboration brought together our EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE in international business development with the Crafts Council’s deep understanding of the craft sector.
From the Craft Councils work with creative businesses over the YEARS, they identified a crucial need for strategic support in international expansion. Onwards and Up was commissioned to with their export and SME knowledge to assist with the project delivery. The toolkit addressed this gap, providing craft businesses with the essential resources needed to explore opportunities beyond the UK borders. This included profile-raising possibilities, creative development pathways, and establishing sustainable income streams from international interior designers and retail buyers.
The project delivered a FREE, fully accessible resource package comprising a detailed PDF guidebook and practical downloadable materials. This toolkit has become an invaluable resource for the craft community, DEMYSTIFYING the complexities of international trade.
Who is the International Toolkit for?
The toolkit was carefully crafted to support multiple business stages:
• New exporters taking their first steps into international markets
• Makers seeking to rebuild their overseas trading confidence
• UK craft businesses of all sizes requiring current export guidance
What We Delivered
Through our HANDS-ON APPROACH, we created a comprehensive resource that broke down complex business processes into manageable steps.
The International Toolkit included:
• Expert guidance on export readiness assessment
• Strategic market identification frameworks
• Practical export planning tools
• Ready-to-use document templates
• Curated research resources
• Clear business terminology glossary
• Inspiring maker case studies
Working alongside Caroline Jackman from the Crafts Council, we developed these resources to be COST-EFFECTIVE and accessible. The project exemplified our commitment to sharing KNOWLEDGE and supporting creative businesses in their growth journey. Also check out the Temporary Export Guide. Another free download to support your export development courtesy of the Onwards and Up and The Crafts Council.
This collaboration demonstrated how combining industry expertise with practical business support could create VALUABLE RESOURCES that continue to help craft businesses build their confidence and achieve their international ambitions.
