Member Article

Chamber breaks £1bn North East export record

North East England Chamber of Commerce’s export team has supported £1 billion of exports from the region’s businesses in the first six months of the year, the highest figure ever achieved.

The Chamber’s international trade team helps companies by offering practical advice along with services including tax, documentation, licenses and customs compliance.

Products exported are from a range of multi-sized businesses around the region, from Nissan to Fentimans and from Ecco Finishing to Guardian Marine Testing for destinations, which are sold around the globe.

Brian Dakers, international trade manager, explained the number of factors leading to the milestone.

He explained: “It is good for our regional economy that we are seeing new exporters who are putting their toe in the water of selling overseas, or growing through selling to additional markets, once they’ve whet their whistle in Europe or North America.

“Middle Eastern markets are particularly buoyant at present. The Qatar World Cup and the Dubai Expo have both been excellent opportunities for Chamber Global members who are winning work in a number of sectors, including infrastructure projects designed to transform the host cities in time for huge increases in footfall.

“There has been a growing trend for companies selling to countries outside of the EU in part due to more businesspeople travelling to Asia, for example, on holiday and then deciding to explore opportunities.

“Anecdotally, we also hear of successes coming in via support of the Global Chamber network, enabled by the Department for International Trade to assist SME’s looking to do more in particular high growth areas, and now gaining traction.

“These are a very encouraging set of statistics which are reflective of a broad base of customers all doing well. Our exporting companies represent the cream of the UK’s offer, and will capitalise on opportunities with the best of them.”

He added: “Imagine what they could achieve with a stable environment, certainty over Brexit and an industrial strategy designed to bolster their efforts.”