East of England export leader welcomes boost in region’s international sales

The notable growth has been in exports to non-EU countries that have increased 18% year on year to £11.1bn with exports to China up 11%, Russia up 49%, Japan up 9% and exports to the US starting to recover well, up 8% after a period of low growth. Growth in East of England’s exports to the EU slowed to only 1.6% year on year at £16.33bn.

Liz Basing, Regional Director for UKTI East, said: “In the East of England we continue to increase exports year on year. And it’s great to see that exports to markets further afield continue to grow. For the East of England, non EU markets saw an 18% increase in exports year on year. But we can’t afford to rest on our laurels. To get growth, we need even more companies to export.

“It is no surprise to see that UK exports are beginning to suffer from the flat Eurozone economy. Our region is no exception. Europe remains a vital market to a range of businesses, as well as to companies new to exporting.”

To help more companies take those important first steps and to show that with UKTI help exporting is not as challenging as many might fear, UKTI is running a series of low cost visits to European markets, available until March 2013 only, ‘Export Insight’ visits will give firms the confidence of a supported group visit to a market highlighting export opportunities for companies inexperienced in international business. A flat fee of just £99+VAT is payable including travel and accommodation from the UK departure point.

UKTI East is also planning missions to Croatia from 24-26 October, then to Paris in late January and to Benelux in February. For more info please contact UKTI East 08456419955 or email info@uktieast.org.uk

John Bridge, Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “There is little doubt that businesses exporting are managing to perform significantly better than those which concentrate solely on the home market. Whilst we have our own challenges, we must remember that the world is not in recession. There are many opportunities for exporters and much expertise in both UKTI and the Chambers of Commence upon which to draw. “

George Forster from Boosted Education in Norwich said: “While our European business remains stable, all the growth in exports we are seeing is coming from the Far East. We have won substantial new business, in places like Singapore and Hong Kong that provides great value to the UK economy through our links with British suppliers we use to deliver quality projects overseas.”

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