Thousands of companies will strengthen their push to receive export help and advice as Export Week gets underway today.
UK Trade & Investment’s (UKTI) fifth Export Week will feature 70 events for small and mid-sized firms nationwide with companies attending seminars, trade workshops, intellectual property and marketing workshops across the country.
This year’s Export Week will be particularly focused on mid-sized businesses with a dedicated event in every region of the UK.
Earlier this year Lord Livingston announced that all 8,900 mid-sized businesses in the UK will be offered support from a dedicated relationship manager as well as tailored trade advice.
The CBI estimates that if mid-sized businesses reach their full potential, it would be worth between £20 billion and £50 billion to the UK economy.
The launch comes after a recent quarterly report from Manufacturing body EEF revealing Britain’s manufacturers enjoying increasingly strong growth due to strong UK sales and a healthy boost in overseas trade.
The report, compiled in conjunction with accountancy form BDO, revealed a more consistent picture than in recent quarters with the strong conditions spreading to all regions and sectors, and healthy balances for both UK and overseas sales.
There will also be a ‘Sizzling Southeast Asia Roadshow’ travelling across the country organised by UKTI and the UK-ASEAN Business Council (UKABC) highlighting the growing opportunities in this region. UK goods exports to Burma rocketed by 244% in 2013.
Trade Minister Lord Livingston said: “There has never been a better time for Britain’s businesses to break into new international markets and Export Week will highlight the lucrative opportunities available and how we can help firms take advantage.
“Exports to high-growth markets like China, India and Brazil are at all time highs and show that the government’s long term economic plan to create jobs and reduce the deficit is working.
“Exporting helps companies grow and research shows that exporters do better with UKTI’s help. I encourage all companies with global ambitions to get in contact with UKTI this week.”
