Heathrow's World of Opportunity win for holiday company
Adventure Tours UK is among a dozen small businesses from across the UK that will take the next step in selling their goods and services abroad, thanks to the support of Heathrow's World of Opportunity. The programme helps SMEs across the country branch out into international markets.
The UK's hub airport has announced the winning businesses. Each will receive a £2,000 cash grant and expert advice on how to boost their sales overseas. The funding will be used for vital trade missions or staff training, while the Department for Business and Trade will connect the companies to appropriate support and guidance.
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World of Opportunity is delivered in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses and their nationwide network.
This year's winners demonstrate the breadth of entrepreneurs from across all of the nations and regions of the country. They include game developers, artisan fudge-makers, outdoor adventure tours and specialist manufacturers.
Adventure Tours UK carefully crafts active and sustainable holidays across Wales, Scotland and England for curious travellers. From mountain hiking to coastal cycling, multi-activity adrenaline thrills to wilderness escapes, every adventure supports local communities and helps to protect the planet.
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As a certified B Corp and the first UK inbound tour operator to carbon label tours, Adventure Tours UK is committed to responsible travel. Whether hiking an iconic trail through the mountains or exploring picture-perfect towns and villages by rail, each trip fully immerses guests into the UK's stunning wild spaces.
As the UK's Gateway to Growth, Heathrow is uniquely placed to offer businesses a chance to grow through trade. Last year, more than £200bn of British trade flew through Heathrow and 92% of the global economy can be reached within a single flight from the UK's only hub.
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Heathrow colleagues recently toured the country to meet first-hand the winning SMEs and learn more about their growth plans.
Heathrow's chief communications and sustainability officer, Nigel Milton, said: "We have so much quality and ambition in small businesses across the UK. It has been so exciting to meet the SMEs that are ready to take their products and ideas to the next level.
"There is world of opportunity for SMEs to tap into through Heathrow's unrivalled network and we're proud to play our part in helping UK businesses to grow through trade."
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Claire Copeman, co-founder of Adventure Tours UK, said: "We're delighted to have been chosen by Heathrow for this grant award. The attendance of international trade shows is critical to export growth, but requires a financial and resource commitment that can often push them beyond the reach of many SMEs.
"This grant presents us with an incredible opportunity to now meet face-to-face with key buyers in North America."
John Hurst, Wales Chair of FSB, said: "It's been a privilege to work with Heathrow Airport on this important competition supporting small business exporters from here in Wales, and I'm delighted on behalf of FSB to congratulate Adventure Tours UK."
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