Export figures a boost for the economy, says business chief

CONFIDENCE surrounding overseas trade should provide a bounce for the economy, according to business leaders in Coventry and Warwickshire.

The British Chambers of Commerce and DHL have just produced their latest trade confidence index and it shows exporting activity is at its highest level since the recession began.

It shows more firms are exporting – in both manufacturing and service sectors – and that confidence among the 1,700 respondents surrounding future exports and turnover is on the rise.

Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said this region had grasped the nettle when it comes to overseas trade.

She said: “Here in Coventry and Warwickshire, the Chamber has been working extremely hard over many years to promote the benefits of exporting and, through our international trade team, have provided support for those trading abroad.

“Last year, we embarked upon an ‘Exporting is Good for Coventry and Warwickshire’ campaign, which further highlighted the need to sell our goods and services overseas.

“We have a range of companies across the region doing business right across the globe and we undertake a range of overseas visits and missions in order to strengthen contacts and foster even more business opportunities.

“The latest index from the BCC and DHL is very encouraging and shows that the message is certainly getting out there with regards to companies trading globally.

“But it’s vital that we all continue to raise awareness of the benefits of overseas trade and, in this patch, highlight the support available from the UKTI team based here at the Chamber.”

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