Long-term export support confirmed for West Midlands SMEs

THE Government is to sign new five-year contracts with locally based providers to deliver export support to businesses, Trade Minister Lord Livingston has announced.

The preferred bidders have been chosen by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).

In the West Midlands, the winning bid from West Midlands Chambers of Commerce was supported by all six regional local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) as well as the region’s universities, science parks, local MPs and many businesses.

Paul Noon, UKTI’s regional director in the West Midlands said: “Congratulations to the West Midlands Chambers in securing this important contract that is fundamental to the 2020 export drive.

“Increasing exports is vital to the future success of the UK economy.

“I am confident that delivering support to exporters locally, through international trade advisors based in the six Chambers of Commerce, and linking companies to UKTI’s extensive overseas network will help even more companies from this region export and continue the impressive growth in exports seen in the West Midlands in recent years.”

Allen Matty, West Midlands Chambers of Commerce’s managing director, said: “We have a strong track record of providing international trade support to businesses in the West Midlands, having delivered the programme for the past eight years.”