South East: 3,000 UK companies to take part in Export Week, says UKTI

Export Week gets underway today and, with a dedicated event in every region of the UK, will focus on mid-sized businesses and South East Asian markets. Thousands of companies will receive export help and advice, said trade minister Lord Livingston.

UK Trade & Investment’s (UKTI) fifth Export Week will feature 70 events for small and mid-sized firms nationwide with companies attending seminars, trade workshops, intellectual property and marketing workshops across the country.

Earlier this year Livingston announced that all 8,900 mid-sized businesses in the UK will be offered support from a dedicated relationship manager as well as tailored trade advice.

The CBI estimates that if mid-sized businesses reached their full potential, it would be worth between £20 billion and £50b to the UK economy.

There will also be a 'Sizzling Southeast Asia Roadshow’ travelling across the country organised by UKTI and the UK-ASEAN Business Council (UKABC) highlighting the growing opportunities in this region. UK goods exports to Burma rocketed by 244% in 2013.

Livingston said: “There has never been a better time for Britain’s businesses to break into new international markets and Export Week will highlight the lucrative opportunities available and how we can help firms take advantage.

“Exports to high-growth markets like China, India and Brazil are at all time highs and show that the government’s long-term economic plan to create jobs and reduce the deficit is working.

"Exporting helps companies grow and research shows that exporters do better with UKTI's help. I encourage all companies with global ambitions to get in contact with UKTI this week.”