South: Global trade boost for manufacturers as UKTI and EEF sign partnership deal

Britain’s leading manufacturers’ organisation, EEF, has signed a partnership agreement with the Government’s trade body, UKTI, to help boost exports and attract more businesses to invest in the UK.

The deal demonstrates a commitment from EEF, which represents manufacturers ranging from global corporations to small and medium-sized businesses, to support UKTI in achieving the Government’s £1 trillion export target by 2020.

The agreement, signed by UKTI CEO Dominic Jermey and EEF CEO Terry Scuoler, will see both organisations working closely together to build stronger partnerships with manufacturers, boost overseas trade missions and raise greater awareness of the support available from UKTI.

Jim Davison, South East region director at EEF, said: “Improving our export performance is key to helping Britain achieve the better-balanced economy needed to deliver long-term stability and growth. UKTI has a vital role to play in helping companies to increase their global footprint. We will now work together to ensure that manufacturers are aware of the support it provides in finding new markets overseas, as well as smoothing the way for new exporters.”

Jermey said: “As part of our strategy to build stronger relationships with our partners, I am delighted to be working closer with British manufacturers through EEF to drive towards sustainable economic growth through exports. The scale of ambition to achieve our £1 trillion export target by 2020 will require a full team effort with Government and business working together. This partnership will be a very positive step forward towards this goal.”