Lancashire businesses should look overseas to fulfil potential

Paul Stowers, Acting North West Director at the Department for International Trade, said that exports are responsible directly or indirectly for 6.4 million UK jobs and a quarter of our GDP.

Doing business overseas can lead directly to growth, improvements in efficiency levels and ideas for new products and services.

Yet only about 11 per cent of businesses export anything beyond our borders, despite many having a product or service that is export ready.

As the world becomes ever more globalised the potential for businesses of all sizes to reach out to new customers and lucrative new markets beyond the UK has never been greater. A business selling only in the UK is missing huge market potential.

The Department for International Trade is a partner of the Be Inspired Business Awards, the BIBAs, one of Lancashire’s leading business awards which holds its annual ceremony next month.

Paul said: “Lancashire has always been a leading county for successful exporters. In fact we currently have 13 Lancashire based ‘Export Champions’ all of whom are committed to growing exports, increasing GDP and inspiring others in the region to make the most of International opportunities.

“Whether a business is a manufacturer or a businesses operating in the service sector, we know there are opportunities out there. Through our local team of professional export advisors and our international network of contacts, we can help businesses either take their first steps to exporting or continue to grow international sales.”

The BIBAs will be presented at a glitterring awards ceremony at Blackpool Tower in September.