Latest updates and stories from Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce and its Members

Firms encouraged to 'go global'

Written by Paula Devine | 11 Nov 2013

Today (Monday) marks the start of national Export Week, designed to celebrate the exporting successes achieved by UK firms, and to encourage more businesses to take their first step towards ‘going global’. Chambers of Commerce are the largest private sector providers of international trade services in the UK, and are committed to helping businesses find new markets and trade the world. 

Local Chambers of Commerce will be running joint events with UKTI to promote UK exports, and will be doing all they can to tell the world exactly why exporting is good for Britain.

At the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), we have long recognised the need to better support our exporters. As part of our efforts, we have launched our very own online resource, Export Britain, to showcase the opportunities available in key international markets, and help businesses reach out to find new connections overseas. As announced by the Business Secretary at our International Trade Conference last month, we will be working with UKTI alongside other business groups to develop and accredit overseas Chambers of Commerce initially in 21 key growth markets. This will give UK firms practical support when they travel overseas, and provide them with a first port of call in the countries they wish to do business in. Export Britain links UK exporters with these organisations.

Commenting, Nora Senior, President of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“Export Week will raise further awareness of the great opportunities out there for would-be exporters, and the fantastic support available for those who need it. We believe that export growth must be a national priority, both for government and businesses. UK exporters are more optimistic now about their prospects, with confidence higher than it has been since before the economic crisis. But we need more companies that haven’t considered exporting to have a go, and start saying yes to the opportunities that exist in new markets across the globe.

“Chambers of Commerce are here to support firms every step of the way, to help them make in-roads and connections in new countries and provide practical assistance such as training and export documentation. But businesses and government must be more ambitious for Britain. Both need to show leadership and join forces to kick-start a global trade revolution, which will help to secure a lasting economic recovery for decades to come.”

Topics: Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, global, British Chambers of Commerce, Export

Paula Devine

Written by Paula Devine

Paula is Head of Membership and Global Services at Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce.

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