Record Q1 export figures boost region

THE value of exports from North West businesses in the first quarter of this year has soared to a record level, according to the latest statistics.

Figures released by HM Revenue & Customs show exports from the region were valued at more than £6.8bn in the first three months of 2012 – up £461m on Q1 2011.

Despite the euro zone crisis, three of the top five largest markets for the North West were Germany, France and Ireland.

Overall, North West businesses exported goods worth £3.42bn to EU countries between January and March this year. The value of exports to non-EU countries, including the US and China, was  £3.39bn.

The region continues to be the UK’s biggest exporter outside of London and the South East, with the chemicals, machinery and transport sectors leading the way.

The encouraging figures was welcomed by UK Trade & Investment the government agency driving the export effort locally and nationally.

North West regional director Clive Drinkwater said: “This is fantastic news for the region, especially at a time when people are facing financial difficulties both here and abroad. There’s a real breadth of businesses in the North West, many of which have something unique to offer customers in other countries.

“The fact that exports reached an all time high during the first three months of the year shows that firms are trying harder than ever to find new business abroad.

“The US and China continue to be among the countries where we export the most, but we’ve also seen an increase in the number of goods we sell to European Union countries like France and Germany.

“It’s great to see that goods produced by North West businesses are appreciated by people all over the world.”