The Government is to unveil measures aimed at boosting exports, especially by smaller companies, to help drive the UK’s economic recovery.
New trade finance and insurance products will be launched as part of a Trade and Investment White Paper to give better support to firms exporting goods to other countries.
Prime Minister David Cameron said the Government wanted to create the best environment to boost trade and secure investment.
The move came as the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said a survey of 8,000 companies showed 5,500 did not export anything, partly because they thought their products were unsuitable or because they had enough business in the UK.
One in 10 said they lacked resources to help them export goods while a similar number believed they would need help finding overseas customers. Among exporting companies, 15% said they still faced difficulties accessing finance and insurance, while many said they would welcome more Government support.
The Government said it will put a particular emphasis on lobbying European countries to improve the regulatory environment in the Single Market for smaller firms and launch a new online service offering access to potential sales around the world.
Mr Cameron said: “Strong trade policies and strong trade outcomes are of the utmost importance for our economy, helping to create jobs and build sustainable growth. That is why, since day one, we have put the promotion of trade at the heart of our foreign and economic policy. Harnessing the resources of every part of government; changing mindsets, sharpening our focus and doing all that we can to bolster UK trade and investment.
“It is this Government’s total and steadfast dedication to create the best environment to boost trade and secure investment. That is our commitment to UK business and that is what this White Paper intends to deliver.”
Business Secretary Vince Cable added: “Trade and investment are absolutely fundamental to rebuilding and rebalancing our economy. Encouraging small businesses to export more is at the heart of that.
David Frost, director general of the BCC, said: “Our survey reveals some uncomfortable truths for British business and for the Government about our ability to export. Too many of our companies lack an exporting culture, even though they produce high-quality goods and services. We cannot rebalance Britain’s economy when so many companies say they’re simply not ready or able to take their products overseas.”
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