East Midlands exports rise by 23%

East Midlands exports rose by 23% to £21.8bn during 2017 compared to the previous 12 months, latest HMRC figures show.

The figures show that the East Midlands is home to more than 10,000 exporters with an average value per exporter of £2m.

The national picture shows that exports of goods from England increased by 11.6% to £244.8bn.

One East Midlands-based business who has experienced this uplift first-hand is Leicester-based greetings cards business, Islamic Moments, where exports account for nearly 40% of its annual turnover. Now, the business says it is planning major site and product line expansion.

Ian Harrison, director of exports, at the Department for International Trade in the East Midlands, said: “HMRC’s latest figures, which cover the full first year since the EU referendum, demonstrate the appetite for British goods abroad and the potential for businesses who want to expand overseas. They back up the experience of the many companies in the East Midlands we work with daily that are already feeling the benefits of increased global trade and finding success in other markets.

“We have 24 qualified trade advisers in the East Midlands on-hand to provide support for businesses looking to start or boost exporting.”