The number of UK businesses exporting abroad has
increased by 6.6% to 235,800 in 2017, according to newly published
figures.
Published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the Annual Business
Survey shows further good news for the UK economy. Figures
demonstrate an increase in the number of companies of all sizes
selling their products to overseas buyers.
Figures released earlier this month show that total exports from
the UK reached £637bn in September, an increase of 4.4% on the
previous year. This demonstrates that demand for British goods
and services continues to grow from around the world.
Key highlights from the report show:
- The number of SME companies
exporting abroad increased by 6.6% to 232,000 (9.8% of all SMEs),
whilst the number of large businesses who export increased by
6.1% to 3,500 (41.7% of all large businesses)
- New businesses are making the most of export opportunities,
with the number of companies which are less than 2 years old and
exported last year increasing by 19.9% to 47,000
- Established businesses are also making the most of support
that is on offer for exporters, as the number of businesses over
10 years old who export also increased by 10.2% to 115,300
Figures released today (28 November) by HMRC also show
that nearly 36,000 British businesses are exporting goods to the
US, with another 15,000 sending their goods to Australia. The
news follows the conclusion of the Department for International
Trade’s consultations on potential Free Trade Agreements with
both countries.
International Trade Secretary, MP, said:
Today’s news is further evidence that the high-quality goods
and services produced by British businesses are selling all
over the world. As an international economic department, when
my Ministerial team and I travel abroad, we see first hand the
unprecedented demand for British products, and the results of
the Annual Business Survey show that we are responding to the
demand.
Our Export Strategy sets out an offer to every business that
has the ambition to start exporting or increase their existing
operation, as we look to move exports as a percentage of GDP
from 30% to 35%.
This weekend marks the annual celebration of UK SMEs with
government Ministers out across the country to mark Small
Business Saturday. DIT’s Ministers will visit companies across
the country, emphasising that exporting can increase the
profitability and sustainability of businesses, as well as having
a positive impact on their local economy.
Gnaw Chocolate is just one of the British companies that is
finding international success. Founded in Norfolk in 2011, the
business now exports to over 20 countries worldwide. In the first
six months of 2018 alone, Gnaw launched its products in the US,
China, France, Morocco, South Africa, Germany and are soon to
launch its Single origin Brooke & Amble range in Russia.
Future target markets for growth include Australia and expansion
of its markets across the Middle East.
Matt Legon, Gnaw Chocolate’s Founder, said:
There are opportunities all over the world for ambitious
businesses. If you are looking to build your business at a
faster rate, then it is worth seriously considering the
benefits exporting can bring. Exporting has provided the
cornerstone of what we have been able to achieve here at Gnaw.
In August, the government launched a new Export
Strategy which sets out how DIT will support businesses
of all sizes to make the most of the opportunities presented by
markets around the world.
A collaboration with business, developed after extensive
engagement with a range of UK firms - the Strategy sets a new
ambition from government to increase exports as a proportion of
UK GDP to 35%.
It presents a streamlined and targeted offer for businesses of
all sizes, set to raise productivity, boost wages and protect
employment across the UK.
