Exports in their sights

By Paul Spencer, director, Haworths

Lancashire businesses are already doing their bit in this respect, with goods and services produced in the county being sold to all corners of the globe.

However, there is no doubt that there is scope for more growth. The Department for International Trade estimates that 400,000 UK businesses believe they could export but don’t.

Changing that picture is vital.

But that still leaves the country in the middle of the G7 pack. Less than 20 years ago, German exports were 30 per cent of GDP, today they are an impressive 47 per cent.

The prize for companies that take the export route is large. Research reveals that companies that export have increased growth potential, are more productive and deliver better paid jobs.

The good news is that there is support out there to help them on their journey.