There are many additional considerations over and above the normal requirements of business when you are dealing with international markets.

Apart from the obvious differences in language, culture and currency if you are involved in import and export then you will have access to specific funding solutions tailored to your particular situation.

Finding innovative ways to minimise your risk and outlays whist getting your products made and distributed internationally can be a very important part of success.

There are a variety of international trade finance options available to you including:

• Letters of Credit
• Back-to-Back Letters of Credit
• International Trade Loan

Seeking the right advice on the best course of action based on your particular circumstances is very important right from the start. For example not all banks are equal and entering into arrangements with a little known bank in a developing country with an uncertain political climate can be recipe for disaster. Making sure that everyone involved in the supply chain feels comfortable and protected is an important step in making international trade work for your business.

Unless the bank you deal with has a presence either directly or via a subsidiary bank in the country you are trading with then your bank will need to deal with a "correspondent" bank in that country. This can involve time delays and additional costs as at least three banks are now involved. From a business point of view it is important to shorten this chain of involvement as much as possible.

There are risks involved with trading in foreign currencies and getting the correct advice at the outset is vital. Currency accounts and forward booking of currency rates can help by minimising risk in currency fluctuations.