A business leader has called on British industry to rediscover its “trading spirit” after a survey found that more than one in four firms did not export any goods.
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said a survey of 500 manufacturers revealed that 27 per cent did not export anything, while a further 15 per cent only made 10 per cent or less of their turnover in international trade.
Half of those not exporting said there was enough business in the UK for their needs, while almost one in four did not believe they had a suitable product to sell overseas.
David Frost, the BCC’s director general, said: “British exports haven’t grown as predicted despite the competitive valuation of sterling.
“Our industry needs to rediscover its trading spirit, and become far more proactive when it comes to exporting. Businesses must look for export opportunities for their products - especially in high-growth developing markets.
“Long-term Government support is vital. State-backed trade promotion and improved export support will stimulate the UK’s current and future exporters. Governments in all major developed economies provide business with international trade services to help them to access new markets.
“We urge the Government to think manufacturing in everything that it does to ensure 2011 is a year for growth for UK industry.”
