International Education Strategy offers a joined-up approach to support and advice for UK education exporters

Welcoming the publication of the Government’s International Education Strategy today Caroline Wright, Director General British Educational Suppliers Association, said:

“The International Education Strategy will, for the first time, ensure a much-welcomed, joined-up approach from Government offering hands-on practical sources of support and advice for UK education exporters. The UK educational suppliers industry is one of Britain’s most dynamic new exporting sectors and today’s strategy highlights exciting and ambitious plans which, if implemented fully, will help ensure emerging education suppliers receive the Government promotion and support that is needed to help our innovative exporting companies flourish in a new international trade environment.

“I am particularly encouraged that the International Education Strategy recognises the existing work and strong reputation that British education exporters have built up through their high-profile presence at key international trade fairs, most recently with the sector-led Great British Classroom initiative, which with further Government support, has the potential to showcase British education exporting excellence around the globe via an immersive classroom experience.”

About BESA, the British Educational Suppliers Association: The only trade association covering the entirety of the UK educational suppliers sector. It has an 85-year heritage serving the sector, and represents over 400 suppliers, including manufacturers and distributors of equipment, materials, books, consumables, furniture, technology, ICT hardware and digital-content related services to the education market. Combined, they generate approximately £2.2 billion of revenue each year.

BESA is dedicated to showcasing the world-leading educational products and services provided by British educational suppliers, and providing support and advice to its members, the industry and to schools looking for the best resources and services. It founded the BETT show in 1985, the largest EdTech exhibition in the world, GESS Dubai (previously known as BES Dubai) in 2007 and the Education World Forum in 2011.

Working closely with the Department for Trade, BESA helps take over two hundred companies overseas every year to a wide range of important export markets, from the US to Malaysia and China, providing intelligence briefings, logistical support and often substantial bursaries.

BESA has a Code of Practice to which all members must adhere, along with a stringent membership process, both of which assure buyers of a high standard of quality in both product and customer service.