The trade hubs in Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast and a new
second major DIT site in Darlington, will be
established as part of a new strategy to boost exports
and bring the benefits of the government’s global trade
policy to the whole of the UK, including benefits from
future free trade agreements with the US, Australia,
New Zealand and CPTPP.
They will mean exporters have a direct feed into UK
trade policy, and can better take advantage of
opportunities in fast-growing markets like the
Indo-Pacific region. The trade hubs will also create a
critical link between the regions and the resources of
the Office For Investment – a joint initiative with the
Prime Minister’s Office – to channel investment money
into every UK nation and region.
The trade hubs will be home to teams of export and
investment specialists, who can provide businesses with
expert support and advice to help them:
- maximise their export potential and boost their
trade in new markets overseas
- better access major trade markets like India, the
US and Japan
- feed directly into DIT’s free trade agreements
programme
The launch of the trade hubs marks the start of a major
export drive, which will see DIT focussed on promoting
British exports from all parts of the UK, to help level
up the country, build back better, and support a
resilient economy as outlined in the government’s
Integrated Review.
Earlier this month government-led research showed
exports support 6.5m jobs across the UK, 74% of which
are outside London. The research estimates jobs
directly and indirectly supported by exports pay around
7% higher than the national median, with Office for
National Statistics estimating that goods exporting
businesses are also 21% more productive.
The new trade hubs will also support the launch of
high-profile export campaigns due to launch later this
year, that will seek to maximise export potential and
boost UK enterprise in global markets, following the
recent launch of the food and drink export campaign.
Last year, goods exports from the North of England,
Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland were £98.4bn.
International Trade
Secretary
said:
I’m determined to use UK trade policy to benefit
every part of the UK. These Trade and Investment Hubs
will help this country to an export and jobs-led
recovery.
They will mean we can channel investment into all
corners of the country, and that exporters – whether
they’re selling Scotch beef, Welsh Lamb or cars made
in the North of England – have access to the
expertise they need to sell into the fastest growing
markets.
550 staff are expected to be present in the hubs by
2025, with an ambition to increase this to 750 staff by
2030. An existing DIT Hub in Edinburgh announced in
September last year, will see a significant increase in
headcount following its relaunch today.
