SMEs to be quizzed on export successes

EXPORT support agencies are to try and find out how firms in the West Midlands are faring in their efforts to break into new overseas markets.

The International Trade Survey of UK Exporters is conducted annually by Trade & Export Finance Ltd, in conjunction with the Institute of Exporters.

The latest survey is the 16th to be undertaken by the agencies since 1996. The data is designed to give a true picture of how UK exporters are doing, the challenges they face and the successes they have achieved.

The data is used by policy-makers to develop new support strategies. Last year’s survey highlighted the fact, that despite a range of domestic barriers such as access to finance, exporters had recorded strong growth in 2011.  

The survey also underlined that despite everything that was happening in the Eurozone, Europe remained the principle focus of UK exporters in 2011 and that two-thirds of exporters financed trade with their own funds despite the offer of the UK Export Finance facility.

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Nearly three quarters (72%) of respondents reported growth in 2011 with increased turnover expected in 2012, while 53% of companies had an export strategy, and 44% saw exports as a key driver of future business growth.

This year’s survey will examine 2012 performance, and given the more difficult European trading conditions last year, focus on how exporters have responded to Government pleas to find new non-European markets such as those in the emerging markets.

Mark Runiewicz, CEO, TAEFL said: “This is an exciting but difficult time for companies trading internationally. The Euro is at its strongest for a number of years, which is good for exporters. The availability of finance is a key issue. The debate is raging if the UK should be in or out of the Eurozone. This year’s survey will provide answers to these questions.”

Organisers are expected to contact around 20,000 companies across the UK during the course of the survey, which closes on March 31.

Surveys will be undertaken by phone or via the websites of the organisations involved, as well as SurveyMonkey: www.surveymonkey.com/s/InternationalTradeSurvey2013

 

 

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