Exporting remains strong among businesses in the Sheffield City Region

Sheffield City Region which trade in international markets remain strong, according to the latest Quarterly Economic Survey (QES).

Over the last quarter, on balance, more businesses in the service and manufacturing sectors saw an increase in trading in the export markets.

The survey, conducted by the region’s Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), four Chambers of Commerce and Sheffield University Business School, claimed that the highest proportion of respondents thought their prospects would be negatively impacted if there was complete withdrawal from the European Union (EU) with only one in five in favour.

Commenting on the QES results for quarter one, Prof. Andrew Simpson of the Sheffield University Management School, said: “The QES results show a positive outlook for manufacturing and service sector businesses in the Sheffield City Region that export.

“The figures are in line with national results and in accordance with the government’s push to increase exporting. The survey is an important opportunity for businesses in the region to share their business concerns for the LEP and Chambers to offer the right business services and to lobby local and national government and decision-makers to help shape business policy and support.”

The survey results on international trade and export also show that the North American market has improved over the last quarter while the EU also showed growth for some businesses.

In addition, over the next three months, the majority of exporters expect to see an increase in turnover with a low 10% expecting this to decline in the year ahead.

The figures for confidence in profitability were similar, with a significant proportion of businesses expecting this to remain constant.

The Quarterly Economic Survey for quarter two, sponsored by RBS South Yorkshire & North Derbyshire, opens Monday 23 March 2016.

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