Two Lancashire companies make export growth list

Two Lancashire companies have been listed in the third annual Sunday Times Lloyds SME Export Track 100 league table, which ranks Britain’s SMEs with the fastest-growing international sales.

Merlin Cycles Exports road and mountain bikes, and cycling components and accessories, to 50 countries. The Chorley company increased exports by 28 per cent, up to £8.2m.

This latest research illustrates how closely connected Britain’s export drive is with its trading partners across both the Atlantic and the English Channel. Eighty-five of the companies sell to the continent, making it the most popular market, followed by North America (77).

Gareth Oakley, managing director SME banking at Lloyds Banking Group, said: “For businesses that take the leap to trade overseas, the rewards can be significant – the strong growth achieved by this year’s SME Export Track 100 is proof of that." International trade secretary Liam Fox added: “Companies are seizing the huge international demand for innovative UK products and services. We want more businesses to take advantage of this global opportunity, which is why we’re supporting the SME Export Track 100 and why we launched our new trade hub, great.gov.uk, providing free local advice, financial and regulatory support and live export opportunities to businesses across the UK.”