Campaign urges firms to go global

The Exporting is GREAT campaign is being piloted in the North of England and parts of the East and West Midlands initially, with a national roll-out planned if it is successful. It is targeting more than 100,000 businesses in the North.

Governmental department UK Trade & Investment wants to reach small and medium-sized businesses in Yorkshire and Humber, the North East and North West believed to be export ready.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “Supporting more businesses to export is crucial for Britain and helps to spread sustainable growth across the regions. We want to reach the many SMEs across Yorkshire and the Humber who are ready to sell offshore, but have yet to take the plunge.

“British products, services and expertise are in demand across the world yet less than a quarter of UK firms currently export. UKTI international trade advisers can help new exporters at every step of the way with practical advice and support to seek out new international customers.”

The direct mail campaign runs alongside print, outdoor and online advertising across the North East, North West and Yorkshire and Humber regions. Meanwhile, Barclays branches in these regions are also supporting the campaign.

The bank will be encouraging its corporate clients and business banking customers to arrange an appointment with one of UKTI’s advisers. Branches will also display posters and have leaflets available to take away. Barclays director for trade and working capital, Paul Shanks, said: “There is a world of potential export markets out there. By targeting new markets our corporate clients and business banking customers can grow stronger, more secure and become more profitable.”

Yorkshire businesses need to continue targeting emerging markets in Asia and Eastern Europe as a means of driving regional export growth, international trade expert Mark Robson urged earlier this year. Commenting on the publication of trade in goods statistics by HMRC for the final quarter of 2012, he said regional firms should take comfort from “significant gains” in some regions despite an overall decline in the value of total exports from Yorkshire and the Humber.

The figures show that in the last quarter of 2012 total exports from the region were worth £3.986bn, down from £4.003bn in the third quarter. The total year-end figure for 2012 was £15.741bn versus £16.121bn in 2011. But, exports to Asia and Oceania were worth £1.912bn in 2012, compared to £1.690bn in 2011, and exports to Eastern Europe increased from £207m in 2011 to £264m in 2012.

Mr Robson, the UKTI’s regional director for Yorkshire and the Humber, said potential exporters needed to have a plan in order to maximise their opportunities overseas.

He said some firms were following their customers overseas, and others became “accidental” exporters, after receiving an enquiry from overseas on their website.

Businesses can visit the Exporting is GREAT campaign site online or call free on 0800 093 1655 to find out more.

They will be offered appointments with UKTI advisers who can offer support including overseas market research and access to trade shows.