The model

Here’s one of the diagrams we’ve been using to convey how our system works. You can download the PDF or click the image below to bring it up in a new window.

There are three main parts.

Search model

We figure that anyone searching for information about internationalising their business is going to be looking for 1 or more of the following types of information:

• Geographical location –  i.e. Spain, London or EMEA
• Industry – this might be the user’s own industry (horizontal) or it may be the industry they are looking to serve (vertical)
• Subject – this might be something very general like taxation or something more granular such as VAT

We believe that many people will be looking for very specific bits of information but may also be making quite broad searches. We hope the service will provide information and classification at all these levels.

Participants

There are lots of different types of people who might use this service, and each type of person is going to be looking for different value from the service.

It’s important to ensure that the value is reciprocal and balanced. Service providers need to believe they are going to get some business by helping people on the service, UKTI need to have an understanding of how the value they add is measured, and UK SMEs want to get the information they need at the right time.

The guide

The guide is made up of goals. These are in turn made up of sets of prompts which are categorised by subject. The guide doesn’t give you answers or advice, it merely prompts you to think about the right kind of thing at the right time. Of course, some people won’t want to use a guide, and that’s fine. But some people like the idea of ticking off the things they need to think of.

This really encapsulates a lot of the thinking on this project, so if you have any thoughts or feedback, we’d love to hear them.