Trade minister targets export growth
TRADE minister Lord Green said today he is ‘energised’ about the region’s international trade prospects, but said there is still more to be done to encourage SMEs to take the plunge.
The former chairman of banking giant HSBC visited companies in Liverpool and Rochdale yesterday to see some of the region’s major export success stories as part of a fact-finding tour.
He told TheBusinessDesk.com: “The North West clearly has a lot to offer both in UK terms and internationally. I have come away from this visit even more energised than when I started.
“There is definitely work to do – we need to encourage more SMEs to enter international markets, it is a risk, and a big step, be we want to get the message across that UKTI is here to help and support them.
“When they do go for it I believe many will find that it pays off for them financially, which will benefit the nation as a whole as they grow and create jobs.”
He said it would be dangerous just to focus on certain sectors, as the UK economy, and region’s too, is “very broad based”. However smart manufacturing, precision engineering, pharmaceuticals, architecture, creative industries and renewable energy were particularly compelling.
“I believe UKTI’s new strategy Britain Open for Business will really help drive the export opportunity. It addressed both large companies and SMEs, which is key.”
In Rochdale Lord Green visited Holroyd Precision, which makes machine tools and exports 95% of what it produced. It was recently bought by a Chinese company, Chongqing Machinery and Electric Company.
On Merseyside he visited Clarke Energy in Knowsley, lubricants manufacturer RS Clare and Jaguar Land Rover at Halewood.
He said: “Local growth is how we will strengthen our wide economy and improve out standing internationally. I cannot emphasise enough how important export is in developing companies and securing their futures in markets around the world. It is through export that we see these companies become more innovative in their work.”
