Having a website means firms automatically have an international shopfront. Ventures are being urged to think long-term about overseas markets and how they can compete.

However, there are potential tripwires such as different languages, cultures and methods of doing business to deal with.

Paul Madden, from the Government-backed UK Trade & Investment, told This Is Money:

"Going to a trade show or being part of an organised trade mission helps firms to investigate their market and make important contacts with people such as agents or distributors.

"They will find that doors open more readily if they're part of a group."