The UK’s Department for International Trade (DIT) has cancelled the popular and effective Tradeshow Access Program (TAP) with immediate effect.

As per an Innovation in Textiles report, The TAP export scheme provides financial support to smaller companies as they start their export journey. It also provides a small amount of financial support to SME companies attending major international trade shows.

The UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT) has worked with these companies and the government to ensure the grants are used in the most effective way and to help companies grow through international sales.

Over the years, the scheme has launched many household names in Paris, Milan, New York, Shanghai, Berlin and Florence, including: Paul Smith, Vivienne Westwood, Alex Monroe, Edward Green, Abraham Moon, Tateossian, Jenny Packham, Orla Kiely, Simon Carter, Grenfell, Harris Tweed Hebrides, Sunspel, Christopher Raeburn, People Tree, Kestin Hare, Liberty Fabrics, Folk, Melin Tregwynt, Huddersfield Fine Worsted, Tyler and Tyler, GH Hurt.

In addition, UKFT has been able to use the scheme to promote the broader industry including larger companies like Johnstons of Elgin, Begg Scotland, John Smedley, Corgi Hosiery and Dents who have worked with UKFT to support smaller companies coming through and raise the profile of UK plc at a number of international shows.