New generation of exporters needed to power economic growth – Chambers Trade Manifesto

The British Chambers of Commerce is setting out its manifesto to recruit legions of new UK exporters as its research continues to show poor overseas trade growth:

• In Q4 of 2021, just over a quarter of exporting firms (29%) saw their overseas sales increase
• Almost half (47%) saw no change, and a quarter (24%) reported a decrease
• This is despite substantially more firms reporting improved domestic conditions, with 45% confirming increased UK sales in Q4

BCC research also shows that exporters are uniquely facing a wide range of issues, from unprecedented inflationary pressures and global supply chain crises to a raft of new requirements flowing from the EU trade deal.

The Manifesto sets out a comprehensive list of steps to get more UK businesses, currently just 10%, involved in international trade. This compares to more than 60% of companies which are members of an Accredited Chamber of Commerce.

To do this the BCC is working with the whole of its Global Business Network, both within the UK and in 76 markets across the world, to help encourage the shift.

It is making the move after 23% of firms surveyed said finding a business partner or distributor overseas would encourage them to either start exporting or export more.

A further 16% of firms also said support with trade documentation would encourage them to start exporting or increase the amount of business they do overseas.

Click here to download the manifesto in PDF format.

The manifesto sets out a number of steps that the UK government could take to help firms trade with the EU and to make sure that any new trade agreements put the interests of business at their heart.

In Europe these include:

• Streamlining customs and trade processes to reduce paperwork and delays
• Developing more business-friendly rules on cross-border VAT
• Bringing back, and boosting, the Brexit SME Support Fund to help firms adapt

More widely they include:

• Creating a Business and Trade Growth Office at the Dept for International Trade to help smaller businesses get involved in exporting
• Providing better access for UK professional services and mutual recognition of qualifications
• Setting rules on trade that support the future exports of environmental goods and services
• Securing real benefits for importers and manufacturers in the UK on tariff reductions and rules of origin
• Providing manufacturers with better options on sourcing materials and components