Triple offer to SMEs for brighter future in global markets

Gaining a foothold in international markets in today’s uncertain times can deter many small businesses. This is the impetus behind a new multi-stranded offer to SMEs to give them the boost they need to embark on global trade.

The Business Export Exchange Programme (BEEP) is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between The Open University (OU) and TIN Ventures.

It’s especially aimed at SMEs and those struggling to enter international markets – grappling with the complications of a post-Brexit world where tariffs and restrictions could appear to stifle the global ambition of new businesses.

Growth and business opportunities for new products and services are on offer from trading internationally, yet amongst 99.9% of UK businesses who are SMEs, only 10% are currently exporting.

Furthermore, the BEEP programme is a dynamic opportunity for small company owners to share core business knowledge with SME founders from dozens of international destinations.

The need for targeted intervention has never been more evident. The OU’s recently published Business Barometer 2025 shows there’s an appetite and a need to support entrepreneurs and a need for BEEP.

Some 49.9% of young people aged 18-24 would like to start their own business in the future and a further 30% of businesses with under 50 employees said skills shortages were impacting their growth and expansion plans.

BEEP is a three-pronged offer, recognising that there are three key stages for SMEs in embarking on international trade: from the curious/early-stage explorer to the serious business creator and then the growth prospector looking to scale up internationally.

BEEP specifically supports the Serious to Growth transitions, ensuring SMEs are investment-ready, culturally fluent, and positioned for international expansion.

It is designed to support SMEs and scaleups at different stages of their international trade journey. Each stage builds on the previous one, offering increasing levels of expertise, strategic insight, and global market access.

The programme forms part of the OU’s successful entrepreneurial programme, Open Business Creators. This community has helped hatch ideas and business plans to open markets for dozens of OU undergraduate students and BEEP helps to expand this reach to new business learners.

BEEP is now ready to take up the baton and offer three value-for-money options to give SMEs clear knowledge and skills to ensure they can robustly operate and successfully trade internationally.

The three offers are:

• A one-to-three-month Export Bootcamp, ideal for SMEs exploring export readiness. This offers a six-pack of impactful microcredential courses in core business management skills.
• BEEP Global Co-Pilot Incubator. A six-month Open University Business School Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration. This tailored investment is ideal for SMEs with export potential seeking in-depth market entry strategies.
• BEEP Global Trade Accelerator is for those with proven international sales who are looking to expand further. A duration of two to three years, it is a Global Online MBA (Triple Accredited – AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB) Certification and is ideal for scaleups with high-growth export ambition.

Alex Cole, CEO of TIN Ventures Ltd leads a venture builder and micro-investment business focused on social mobility, employability, and climate sustainability.

BEEP is more than a programme—it’s a signal of intent. It marks the first time an open, inclusive institution like The Open University has joined forces with a venture builder like TIN Ventures to rewrite the export playbook for small businesses.

This isn’t just about trade—it’s about transforming ambition into global impact, especially for those who’ve been historically left at the margins of opportunity. — Alex Cole, Entrepreneur in Residence – The Open University, CEO and Venture Partner, TIN Ventures.

Alex Cole
CEO of TIN Ventures Ltd

Professor Keith Schofield, Head of the Open University Business School said: “There’s never been a more important time to share the knowledge and expertise these interventions can bring to SMEs, helping them find success and grow in global markets. “The Open University Business School, whose academics and trusted insight lie behind this programme, leads the way in cultivating SME business leaders of the future, particularly on an international scale. We’re delighted to support this partnership with TIN Ventures.”