PM pledges support for exporters

The Prime Minister has pledged more support for British exporters to help expansion into new foreign markets during the downturn.

The Government plans to provide specialist and tailored financial and legal advice to over 1,200 businesses in the coming year.

The PM said that although times are tough, opportunities for British businesses to grow their export markets still exist.

He said:

“There are still markets for British goods if we help businesses access them. That is why it is vital we give British businesses world class support to make the most of global opportunities and increase their activity in overseas markets.”

Gordon Brown and the Minister for Trade and Investment, Lord Davies, spoke to 100 of the North West’s largest business exporters this morning.

The PM said that a recent survey found companies that export tend to be more resilient in a downturn. He said 42% of exporters increased their turnover in the past 12 months, compared with only 23% overall.

But Lord Davies said small and medium businesses needed to continue to be flexible and innovative to seek out new export opportunities.

“Small businesses can find it hard to break into new markets on their own and UKTI is there to help. The £3.5 million programme ‘Gateway to Global Growth’ will start from April helping SMEs to access foreign markets where they see potential for their business.”

The Prime Minister’s visit coincided with the launch of the Real Help Now guide for the North West.

Source; http://www.egovmonitor.com/