Regional exports on track
TOTAL exports for Yorkshire and the Humber were worth more than £4.07bn for the first quarter of 2014, keeping the region on track for another healthy year.
That’s according to the latest trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs, which revealed that despite a slight decline on the same period of 2013, the in-year figure, from April 2013 to March 2014, shows sustained growth.
Analysis also reveals gains in exports to commonwealth regions like Asia & Oceania, the Caribbean and North America, including Canada.
There was uplift in all three regions for Q1 2014 versus Q1 2013, with North America particularly impressive, growing from £682m to £883m.
Export chief for Yorkshire and the Humber, UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) regional director Mark Robson, said: “Trade within the Commonwealth is estimated at £300bn a year and the Games will provide further opportunities to boost this trade. The latest statistics show that local businesses are continuing to overcome economic hurdles and rise to the challenge to grow.”
The Commonwealth baton will pass through the region next week, visiting Hull on June 11 and Leeds a day later.
Robson continued: “Our role at UKTI is to make sure companies continue to export and make the most of any opportunities available.
“This is why we need to maximise the opportunities that the Commonwealth Games will bring, and is why UKTI is working closely with Scottish Enterprise, the Scottish Government and the Commonwealth Business Council to deliver a business conference in Glasgow.
“It aims to attract more than 200 business CEOs and political leaders from across the commonwealth, ahead of the opening of the Games, and will provide a platform to look at the issues and opportunities that businesses from across the Commonwealth face in moving forward.”
Today’s HMRC statistics show that chemicals; machinery and transport equipment; and fuels are the key export commodities for Yorkshire and the Humber, with America, France and Germany remaining our top three export partners.
Robson is looking forward to a busy period ahead as Yorkshire prepares to embrace its own sporting spectacle in the form of the Grand Depart.
UKTI, Welcome to Yorkshire and partners are running an International Business Festival ahead of the race, from 2-4 July, offering three packed days of business activity.
“The Tour de France will bring unprecedented interest in Yorkshire, and it’s a chance for companies to shine like never before and showcase what they have to offer,” added Mark.
“There is a growing feel-good vibe amongst the regional business community as we build up to the event, and it provides renewed confidence to get out there and compete on the global stage.”
UKTI is also hosting a major Export Fair at Ripon Racecourse on June 27, where companies can find out more about the support available to help them succeed in international markets.
