DHL and British Chambers of Commerce report optimistic future for UK exporters

DHL Express and the British Chambers of Commerce have recently published new research which looks into the strength of the UK’s export market. The BCC and DHL Trade Confidence Index, a report which monitors UK exporting activities and business confidence of over 2,300 exporting companies, has recently shown that more than 70% of the firms believe their turnover is set to improve during the next 12 months – a 10% increase compared to the same period of last year.

John Longworth, BCC Director General, has shown attention to the optimism portrayed by the business, but says, as a nation, the UK need to “create an environment that makes it worthwhile to export”, with the intention of encouraging more businesses to take steps to trade internationally.

There were many key findings from the report itself, including showing that 47% of exporters have reported increases in export sales in comparison with a sheer 6% who claimed they fell. The highest increase in exporting was seen in the East Midlands, followed closely by Northern Ireland and the Humber.

Longworth also added that with “exporting activity across the UK being at an all-time high”, this is in turn “fantastic news – as boosting our international trade efforts are key to our long-term economic success.” However the Director General of BCC has also added that “there is still more the UK can do if it is to reach its full exporting potential.” He further commented: “If we are going to reach the government’s target of increasing exports to £1trillion by 2020, the UK should be matching the level of resourcing dedicated to export support provided by our major international competitors.”

Phil Couchman, CEO of DHL Express UK has said: “Although the current conditions seem challenging, our UK exporters remain confident in their future turnover and are looking overseas to grow their businesses.” Couchman also added: “We must make sure that UK businesses are not only equipped with the information and resources they need…but that there is ongoing investment to help them on their path to meet the Government’s 2020 target. Our own commitment in investing £156million shows our commitment to UK businesses and our confidence in the UK export market.”