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What is ETA?

Key Challenges

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The new UK ETA System

Starting in 2025, the UK is introducing the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, of significant importance for those travelling internationally for business. This new digital travel permit applies to visitors from visa-free countries, including European Union citizens, and impacts short-term business visits. From April 2, 2025, EU nationals will need an ETA. If your business involves frequent trips to the UK, understanding this new system is important for smooth travels.
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Here’s a breakdown of what this means for your business, and how you can stay ahead of the changes.

What is the ETA, and why does this matter?

The ETA is not a visa but a digital travel permission for short stays. It’s simple to apply for, costs £10, and remains valid for two years, allowing multiple entries for stays of up to six months per visit. The 180-day (6-month) rule refers to the maximum duration of stay per visit, not per year. For businesses, this is more than a formality. It introduces an additional administrative step for your international sales team, export managers, or directors traveling to the UK for meetings, events, or market exploration. While it’s straightforward, it’s an extra step that needs to be done in advance or avoid delays.

Key challenges and recommendations for Businesses

Prepare your trips in advance and organise your personal ETA in March 2025. ETA decisions typically take three working days but can take longer if additional checks are needed. Late applications could delay business trips. Even if employees only have a layover in the UK, they will still need an ETA, adding preparation for connecting flights. In other words if you are traveling to the US and have a stopover in London, you need to organise your ETA. Ensure employees are aware of the process and requirements, including the use of the UK ETA app for faster results.

Boost Business: your local commercial professional

With the ETA system adding new layers to international travel, having a local presence in the UK is more important than ever. Boost Business provides local commercial professionals who live in the UK, understand the UK market, speak the language, and can build relationships with key players. Our boosters represent your business, drive sales, and create local partnerships — minimising your need to travel.

Ready to explore your options?

Ready to explore your options? Let’s discuss how we can bring apply these trends into your business.

Why trade shows still matter in 2025 and how to get ROI from them

Are international trade shows still worth the investment? In a world of LinkedIn messages, virtual demos, and AI-driven sales funnels, some might say no. But if you're serious about growing your business internationally—trade shows still matter. And at Boost Business, we believe they’re one of the best ways to break into a new market, build real relationships, and gain traction.

What trade shows still offer in a digital world

You can't replace face-to-face conversations. Trade shows offer something digital tools don’t: the chance to meet hundreds of relevant people in a few days. Whether it’s coffee with a potential distributor, a spontaneous pitch to a buyer, or a quick scan of your badge after a great chat—trade shows create fast, tangible connections.

They're not just about leads. They're about market validation, visibility, trend-spotting, and testing your message.

Return on your investment: 3 Trade Shows in 3 Countries in 1 Week

Earlier this year, we visited four trade shows in three countries in just one week. We spoke with partners, customers and ambitious companies who want to expand to talk about internationalisation.

**Webwinkel Vakdagen** in Utrecht; meeting my existing network from NL, former colleagues from **DPD Nederland** and the partners that we work with. Updating them on the journey of Boost Business.

**Food & Drink Expo** in Birmingham. BUSY! Really building our network in the food&drink industry in the UK. Proud to see that 1 day was not even enough to meet all our connections: Boosters, customers, prospects and partners.

**The Workplace Event** in Birmingham. Two birds with one stone. On the same day, there was an office furniture trade show at the NEC. Meeting up with our customer, and potential candidates for the role we are filling in the UK on the way to growth.

**World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo** in Hamburg: meeting new prospects from NL, Germany and the UK. & helping an existing customer at their stand during the fair. Helping our customers wherever we can.

The result? Dozens of conversations, new leads, new insights and a better understanding of each local market. Yes, it was exhausting. Yes, it was worth it.

How to prepare for a trade show: Before you even enter the hall

Want to make your visit 10x more effective? Preparation is everything:

Assess the show: Is this the right show for your audience? Ask around, check who’s attending.
Plan ahead: Book travel early. Know your schedule. Have online calls? Most trade shows have solid Wi-Fi and quiet areas.
Pre-book meetings: Use LinkedIn or the event app to schedule coffee chats before you arrive.
Target your walk: Highlight the booths and exhibitors you don’t want to miss.

And yes, finish your day with a drink—you’ve earned it after hours of walking and networking.

Should you have a stand?

Having a booth? Even more important to prepare:

Research the event and your target audience
Make your booth inviting and staffed with people who want to be there
Train your team to pitch, ask good questions, and note key details from every visitor

A booth is more than just a setup—it’s a statement. Done well, it builds trust, credibility, and name recognition.

The most underrated part: Aftersales

Most companies drop the ball here. Don’t be that company.

Follow up within two days
Reference your conversation, add value, and propose a concrete next step
Suggest a meeting and include a scheduling link

Your follow-up is where the actual conversion begins.

TIP: Use the fair to sharpen your pitch

Trade shows are perfect for testing your pitch. You’ll repeat your intro 50+ times—notice what makes people nod and what confuses them. Adjust. Refine. Learn.

Bonus tip: Even if someone’s not interested, ask them: “Who comes to mind that I could help?” You’d be surprised how many leads come from indirect referrals.

Where Boost Business comes in

Because our local commercial professionals act as an account manager, are they involved in the preparation of the event. Besides that, Boost Business supports and shares best practises what worked in the past. What are best practises and what is the local commercial professionals now do to make the most of their trade show investment:

Be involved in the preparation of the messaging and strategy
Booking local meetings
Following up with leads (in the local language)
Supporting with local sales professionals who can continue the conversation after the event

Whether you're visiting your first fair or planning a big booth in a new country, we make sure your trade show isn’t just a calendar event—but a commercial success. Let’s grow your business—one conversation at a time.

#internationaltradeshows #businessgrowth #b2bnetworking #expansionstrategy #boostbusiness

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