Is there a way of not charging VAT on orders placed by companies based outside of the UK?

If a non-UK exhibitor is travelling to the UK for a show/exhibition the VAT is payable on any goods purchased for use at that show.

Here's the source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/refunds-of-uk-vat-for-non-uk-businesses-or-eu-vat-for-uk-businesses

2. Refunds of UK VAT for businesses established outside the UK2.1 What this scheme is for
You may have to pay UK VAT if you’re registered for business purposes abroad and you buy goods or services in the UK. This does not apply if you buy goods for export, but it may apply if what you buy is used in the UK. For example, if you take part in a trade fair.
You cannot treat this VAT as input tax if you’re not registered for VAT in the UK. You may be able to use this scheme to reclaim VAT charged on:

·  imports into the UK

·  purchases of goods and services used in the UK

The VAT rules on FFAIR are set up based on this guidance from gov.uk. This also explains that the exhibitor can apply for a VAT refund if they feel they are owed it, but they will be charged VAT upfront.