Chamber and Bridge launch export product

A NEW product has been launched to help get small businesses on the road to export.

Independent insurer Bridge Insurance Brokers has launched a credit insurance product for members of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.

Launched to co-incide with the latest UK Trade & Investment Export Week, the product called  Chamber ExportSure will offer companies more confidence as they explore options to trade internationally.

ExportSure enables users  to evaluate the creditworthiness of new overseas customers, enjoy local collections support for slow payers and plug the gap caused by a bad debt. It also gives them the ability to compete by being able to offer open credit terms to their customers.

Steve Howells, head of credit division at Bridge, said: “The Government’s target to reach £1 trillion of exports by 2020 is extremely ambitious. However, we want to support the role North West companies will have in striving towards this through valuable guidance, protection and expertise, with minimum premiums low enough to make it cost effective for businesses of all sizes.

“We’ve developed this product to give peace of mind and confidence when doing business abroad. ExportSure gives smaller businesses access to the type of cover which was previously only available to large corporate companies. It also provides a connection with on-the-ground experts in export markets who can give credit opinions on existing customers or prospects, helping businesses make informed credit management decisions.”

Chris Fletcher, director of policy and communications for Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: “Having discussed this extensively with our members we see there is a pressing need for a simple, affordable and accessible insurance product that will help businesses take their first steps to growing their businesses overseas.”

To begin with the product is available solely for members of Manchester Chamber, but could be made more widely available in future.