A new collaborative initiative, the Business Export Exchange Program (BEEP), has been launched by The Open University (OU) in partnership with TIN Ventures to help UK SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) overcome barriers to international trade. Developed in response to the challenges faced by SMEs, particularly in the wake of Brexit, BEEP provides a tailored three-stage pathway to guide businesses from initial exploration to full-scale global expansion.

Although 99.9% of UK businesses fall under the SME category, only 10% currently engage in exporting. BEEP aims to change this by providing targeted support for different phases of international trade readiness. The program enables entrepreneurs to acquire the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to succeed globally, while also encouraging knowledge-sharing with SME founders from around the world.

Backed by findings from the OU’s 2025 Business Barometer, which shows that nearly 50% of 18–24-year-olds are interested in starting a business, BEEP addresses the growing demand for structured entrepreneurial support. Additionally, 30% of businesses with fewer than 50 employees cited skills shortages as a major obstacle to growth.

BEEP’s three-tiered structure includes:

• Export Bootcamp – A one-to-three-month course designed for SMEs assessing export potential. It includes a bundle of microcredential business courses.
• Global Co-Pilot Incubator – A six-month postgraduate certificate program offering detailed market entry strategies for export-ready SMEs.
• Global Trade Accelerator – A two-to-three-year Global Online MBA, triple-accredited and tailored for businesses with established international sales aiming to scale.

These offerings are part of the OU’s broader Open Business Creators initiative, which has already helped OU students develop market-ready ventures. BEEP expands this opportunity to new SME founders and business learners.

Alex Cole, CEO of TIN Ventures and Entrepreneur in Residence at the OU, described the program as a groundbreaking shift in SME support: “BEEP is more than a program, it’s a signal of intent… transforming ambition into global impact, especially for those historically left at the margins.”

Professor Keith Schofield, Head of the OU Business School, emphasized the program’s relevance: “There’s never been a more important time to share the knowledge and expertise these interventions can bring to SMEs… particularly on an international scale.”

With BEEP, SMEs now have a structured, accessible, and impactful pathway to navigate the complexities of international trade and unlock growth potential in global markets.

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