The LGA has today published guidance to help councils support
their local businesses to take advantage of new and emerging
export opportunities across the globe.
The report, which was commissioned by the LGA and produced
by Value Adage with support from the Department for International
Trade, finds that nearly 6.5 million jobs in the UK are reliant
on our ability to export abroad, with firms in London and the
south east having the highest number of export-supported
jobs.
Many businesses look to their local authority for advice
around arrangements for exporting of goods and services, as well
as advice about the present regulatory framework.
Councils have an important role to play in supporting a
greater volume of exports from small and medium sized businesses
and are being encouraged to use their infrastructure connections,
such as local ports, freeports and airports to work with their
local communities to leverage existing international links and
support businesses to take advantage of opportunities available
to them.
The LGA, which represents councils in England and Wales, is
sharing good practice and advice to support local authorities to
produce internationalisation strategies, which will help councils
to work with LEPs and other business groups to map potential
inward investment and exporting opportunities in their local
area.
For example, in Sunderland, the City Council developed
strong economic ties with its twin cities in France and Germany
as well as the promoting of inward investment with major
employers in Japan and the USA. In Kent, the council was one of a
number of organisations who set up Kent International Business, a
group which works with local businesses to identify international
trade options and promotes and coordinates local export
services.
Cllr Kevin Bentley, Chair of the LGA’s People and Places
Board said:
“Councils have long played a significant role supporting
firms to export and are well placed to bring together businesses
to take advantage of the opportunities available to them.
“As the UK embarks on a new chapter as an independent
trading nation, it is clear that there will be new markets and
new opportunities for exports. It is important that councils are
in a position to help businesses transition to this new
context.
“This guide will help local authorities to build
connections and work with partners domestically and
internationally to help support greater exports and create jobs
in their local communities.
“Councils stand ready to work with the Government as an
important partner to build back better and level up the country,
including supporting local businesses to increase
exports.”
Minister for Exports, said:
“It's great to see so many jobs across the UK supported by
our exporting prowess. With this government committed to driving
growth and exports in every corner of the UK, I’m delighted that
the Local Government Association is encouraging councils to help
businesses take advantage of international trading
opportunities.
"The Department for International Trade will continue to
open markets through trade deals but also has teams at home and
in 119 other countries ready to help businesses take advantage of
the new opportunities we are creating. Exports lead to more and
better paying jobs and, with the help of local councils, we are
determined to see these benefits reach every part of the
UK".
Ends
LGA report: Councils’
role in supporting the exports industry
