More than 75 per cent of SMEs plan to export goods and services in the next 12 months to more markets, despite a 1.8 per cent fall in sales abroad last month.

Revenue from foreign shores dropped to £21.7 billion in August, disappointing hopes for an export-led recovery as companies prepare for harsh public sector cuts at home.

But Robin Barnett, the new managing director of UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), told the Birmingham Post that a number of factors had deterred companies from exporting, adding that the new research offered positive prospects.

And UKTI researchers say Midland companies are preparing to increase exports.

He said: “Some companies in the period leading up to economic crisis were doing well anyway – others understandably felt nervous about going abroad. I think there are a huge range of reasons why companies choose not to export.

“What we are trying to do is showcase the opportunities. The Trade and Investment Minister Stephen Green launched a report highlighting positive news but stressed the point that we want to encourage small business to look at the opportunities.

“Clearly, at a time when sterling is relatively weak, that provides some additional advantage to potential exports, but the reality is there are a range of reasons people choose products, price is a key factor. Many things influence export patterns and currency is one.”

Mr Barnett was in Birmingham on Wednesday to give a keynote speech to 100 delegates at the Institute of Directors’ Exporting for Success event. A University of Birmingham graduate, it is the first time Mr Barnett has returned to the city since visiting in his previous role as UK Ambassador to Romania, where he was involved in trade development work. He joined UKTI in September.

In his speech he explained why West Midlands companies should consider doing business in emerging and high-growth markets overseas, encouraging more of them to trade internationally.

He said: “Our research shows that firms which export can increase productivity by up to 35 per cent in the first year alone. The other reason I visited Birmingham is that in Britain there are around 4.8 million SMEs and 250,000 of them are in the West Midlands. It is clear there are many that would benefit from exporting and we are trying to show people support is available.”

UKTI helps 4,000 companies each year in the West Midlands and of those 1,000 have received intensive assistance.”

One company that has received help is Staffordshire-based Johnson Tiles, which plans to explore opportunities in South Korea.

The Stoke-on-Trent tile manufacturer has won an overseas market introduction service (OMIS) from UKTI after taking part in research. An OMIS is a detailed in-country report giving UK companies access to market and sector specific advice. The company’s main export markets include the US, Russia, Middle East and the Far East.

Rimstock of West Bromwich, which makes aluminium wheels for the motoracing industry, has won a three-year deal worth £450,000 to supply the Australian V8 supercar championship with forge wheels, after working with UKTI.