Partner Article

Surprise in growth through exports, small business reports

Research from Barclays has suggested businesses generate an average growth of 30% after exporting for just two years.

1,500 UK small businesses were surveyed, and 29% experienced a positive impact on their bottom line within six months of expanding into international markets.

The study also found that 31% of businesses currently exporting said they have employed more people in the UK, on average 15 further recruits.

Sharda Glass was established in 2006 and started trading internationally five years ago, exporting its architectural glass to the USA, Europe and Middle East.

Neil Sharda, director and owner said, “I started exporting five years ago and have seen an incredible impact on my bottom line. I first started exporting to Dubai and Qatar, and then a year ago won the contract to supply the new World Trade Centre in New York.

“As a result of my move into exporting, I’ve been able to move into new, larger premises. I travel abroad regularly, which can sometimes be a challenge to juggle everything, but I believe building good relationships with clients is the key to continuing and growing my business abroad.”

Many of those business surveyed were surprised at the impact exporting had made, as 54% said growth had exceeded their expectations.

Some of the wider benefits of exporting were identified among businesses as increased productivity, stronger innovation and longevity of products.

Steve Cooper, Vice Chairman of Barclays Business Banking said: “Winning business overseas is a vitally important way for SMEs to prosper and help the economy grow out of recession. Our new research shows that in the challenging domestic market, exporting provides attractive new revenue growth for businesses of up to a third, boosting the bottom line and supporting job creation.

“We are committed to helping UK SMEs take that step to winning new trade around the world, and have experts in place across the globe ready to lend their support and advice.”

The research has been published to coincide with Barclays’ ‘Business Abroad’ programme, which offers free access to expert guidance, advice, and workshops, as well as discounts on international products and services.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .