Leeds City Region targets export billions

A CAMPAIGN to add £2.6bn to the Leeds City Region economy by helping businesses to export has been launched.

The Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership is teaming up with UKTI and Chamber International for the ‘We Are International’ campaign.

At its heart is a new network of ‘export champions” giving companies the chance to learn from other businesses already trading abroad.

LEP chairman Neil McLean said: “As the largest manufacturing base in the country, and the UK’s largest regional financial centre, Leeds City Region should be in prime position to take advantage of the immense business opportunities in emerging markets.

“Our research shows that companies which trade internationally are more innovative, more productive and more resilient than those that don’t. Many of our businesses are already realising the benefits of international trade – the objective of this campaign is to give new exporters the chance to learn from those who have been there and done it already.”

Moves to grow the city region’s exports were agreed as part of the ‘city deal’ signed with the Government earlier in the year.

Eric Hawthorn, managing director of exporting firm Radio Design and a member of the City Region’s business, innovation and growth panel, said: “Companies serious about their long-term growth prospects need to be thinking internationally.

“International trade is certainly key to the continued growth of my business. When we started out in 2007, we were able to get off the ground here in the UK but for long-term expansion we have to look overseas and exports now account for 27% of our sales.”

Nick Baird, chief executive of UKTI, added: “I’m delighted to endorse the We are International campaign. This is an innovative example of how UKTI and LEPs can work together to further our shared ambitions of helping more businesses realise the tremendmous benefits of international trade.”