International traders to receive tailored advice

Every mid-sized business in the country will be offered tailored trade advice and an intensive programme of support to help them start exporting or break into new markets, trade minister Lord Livingston has announced.

In the North West there are 870 MSBs – the largest number outside London and the South East. 19.2% of workers in the North West – almost one in five – are employed by the region’s mid-sized firms.

Mid-sized businesses are vital to the government’s long-term economic plan to reduce the deficit and create more jobs. The CBI estimates that, if they reach their full potential, it would be worth £20bn to £50bn to the UK economy. Currently mid-sized businesses make up just 0.5% of all businesses but contribute around a fifth of employment and turnover in the UK.

Clive Drinkwater, regional director, UKTI North West said: “The North West has the third largest number of MSBs in the country, and therefore this initiative announced today by Lord Livingston is extremely important for the region.

Speaking ahead of the Meet the Mittelstand conference in Staffordshire, which is bringing successful German companies to Britain so UK companies can hear about their strategies for success, Lord Livingston said: “Mid-sized businesses have the potential to be economic powerhouses for the UK economy, creating jobs and growth for all regions of the UK.

“Businesses excel with UKTI’s support and we want to make sure that they are not just trading abroad, but thriving there.” Companies interested in learning more about exporting opportunities should contact UKTI at www.ukti.gov.uk/midsizedbusiness