Global Victoria is working with the Australian British Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) and the British Consulate to help Victorian businesses win new job-generating contracts in the United Kingdom.

On 5 July, Victoria's Minister for Trade and Investment Tim Pallas launched Doing Business in the UK – A Guide for Victorian Companies alongside Australian British Chamber of Commerce CEO Ticky Fullerton and UK Consul General in Melbourne Steph Lysaght.

With the support of Global Victoria, the Australian British Chamber of Commerce developed the guide that provides insights into the UK’s regional and sector strengths and tips for Victorian exporters looking to break into the region's lucrative markets.

A growing export partner for Victoria

The UK is a growing export partner for Victoria with two-way trade valued at $2.7 billion in 2022. Merchandise exports to the UK jumped by 12 per cent last year following a 26 per cent increase in the preceding 12 months, led by sales in seeds/fruits, perfumery and cosmetics, and meat.

Sales of meat (excluding beef) doubled last year alone and seeds and fruit exports jumped 75 per cent.

With the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement now in force, Victorian businesses are increasingly looking to the UK for growth and diversification.

Ultra Violette - a Victorian Export Success Story

2022 GOVEA Award winner for the Global Victoria Women's Award, Victorian skincare company Ultra Violette is an export success story making an impact in the UK, connecting with key retailers through Global Victoria’s trade missions.

The brand now has 26 products selling in some of the UK’s leading retailers including Cult Beauty, SpaceNK, Net-a-Porter, Harrods and Sephora. The company exports to 20 countries overall.

According to fDi Markets, the UK is Victoria’s second-largest source of foreign direct investment. Between 2017 and 2022, 95 UK investment projects in Victoria generated $4.6 billion in capital expenditure and created almost 7500 jobs.

Global Victoria Trade Alliance

Global Victoria formed an alliance with the ABCC for the Guide through a unique partnership model (Global Victoria Trade Alliance) that offers Victorian exporters tailored training, networking and engagement opportunities, and helps adapt their export strategies to respond to the rapidly changing global market conditions.