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Calling all potential and existing exporters and importers

By Chris Walker

CEO

Diamond Hard Surfaces

AFTER the inception of the Department of International Trade (DIT) in 2016, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) formed its International Trade Policy Unit, and as the Chair, I would like to invite Northamptonshire businesses to be part of the conversation.

The group’s aim is to gain a better understanding of what SME businesses want and need from overseas trade and to lobby the government to ensure that the interests of small firms are taken into account when future strategy is created.

The continuing trade deficit reflected in the latest ONS figures shows work needs to be done to encourage the UK’s small businesses to trade overseas.

According to FSB research around 20 per cent of members currently export their goods and service and with the right support that figure could be double. It is our aim to support the growth of international business by ensuring that the path to successful exporting is understood and simplified.

Bespoke support is important for small and micro businesses. As well as current initiatives to support reactive exporters, more needs to be done to help turn small businesses into strategic exporters. Without this support, we will not be able to turn the dial on productivity, and we hope that this need is addressed in the new Industrial Strategy.

The unit has created a LinkedIn interest group to allow members involved in overseas trade or thinking about doing so, discuss International trade. Any members involved in this area – either import or export or provision of services to this sector can join the group. Search FSB International Trade Policy Group on Linkedin or email

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