Exporters need more support says Chamber as report reveals gap

Credit: EMC

East Midlands Chamber has called for greater support for the region’s exporters after not one respondent in national research said they got ‘comprehensive support’ from Government over trade policy changes.

The research, carried out by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) in partnership with GS1 UK surveyed hundreds of firms. Only 13% of businesses surveyed said they received sufficient support, 32% felt they did not have much support and 31% said there was none.

The findings form part of a new BCC and GS1 UK report looking at how digital trade can help economic growth and calls for a joint plan between Government and business to manage digital trade.

Recommendations proposed in the plan include:

• E-labelling and digital product passport systems created that work seamlessly across key markets
• UK to show leadership in building global adoption of electronic trade documentation
• Digital trade corridors established following the UK’s pilot schemes with France and Germany that are to be launched soon

East Midlands Chamber Head of International Trade Lucy Granger said: “A greater level of support for exporters is something we’ve been calling for but the need grows every time there is a change in policy, whether that be US tariffs, new regulations or new paperwork. All these factors impede export, making the process more difficult and this research shows those headaches are frustrating exporters.

“The Chamber is here to support businesses looking to export so I would urge any firm trading internationally and trying to navigate challenges to contact our International Trade department. The team can give useful guidance on overcoming obstacles so exporters can achieve their goals.”