Exporting services to Poland, where Paulina has strong cultural and linguistic ties, emerged as a natural next step. While the company already worked with Polish-owned businesses in the UK, entering the Polish market as a UK-based service provider brought a fresh set of challenges. SLT Media lacked a clear framework for international expansion and needed to better understand how to tailor its services for overseas clients. That’s when Paulina discovered the BGWM Export Support Programme through Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.
With the support of an adviser, who provided tailored guidance specific to service-based enterprises, Paulina developed a targeted growth strategy for SLT Media. The focus was on exporting her marketing services to Polish companies.
One of the most impactful outcomes of the programme was the creation of a support network of Polish-speaking professionals, including: accountants, customs specialists, and legal experts, enabling SLT Media to offer clients a full-service experience beyond marketing alone. This holistic approach not only differentiates the agency but also directly stemmed from insights gained through the programme.
Building credibility in Poland hasn’t come without challenges. As Paulina explained, “It’s like starting from scratch again. No one knows us there yet.” To raise awareness, SLT Media is working with business incubators in Poland and offering pro bono work to gain traction. The business has also had to adapt to differences in invoicing, VAT, and client expectations, especially in areas like localisation of content and website user experience.
Despite these hurdles, the programme has instilled a new sense of confidence and direction. “I don’t feel like I’m just trying to sell marketing anymore,” Paulina said. “I understand my clients’ exporting challenges and can actually help them navigate the journey.” With a clear goal to generate 30 - 40% of revenue from export services by the end of next year, SLT Media is already laying the foundations for sustainable growth.
Paulina shared: “Exporting services is like future proofing your business. You're no longer limited to a single market, you're opening the door to global opportunity. Thanks to the BGWM Export Support Programme, I gained the confidence, knowledge and structure I needed to take that leap. It helped me turn an idea into a clear plan, and now I'm building international connections that will grow our business for years to come.”
David Zell, Assistant Delivery Manager for Business Programmes at the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), added: “The Export Support Programme, run by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, on behalf of the West Midlands Combined Authority, is a fantastic programme offering free, in-depth, subject-specific expertise support to businesses within the West Midlands, enabling them to grow their potential through international exporting channels. The team are incredibly supportive, knowledgeable and driven to ensure that businesses can thrive and grow off the support that is on offer. The programme is 100% committed to achieving success – and is one not to be missed.”
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