The Department for International Trade (DIT) is hosting international trade week to provide UK exporters with wide-ranging information and advice to help them grow.
Exports are central to the Government's plan to ‘level up' every part of the UK, with a DIT-commissioned report finding UK exports supported 6.5 million jobs between 2014 and 2016.
But with exports to non-EU countries falling by £300 million (1.9%) in September 2021, and a sluggish export performance compared to the rest of the world, a post-pandemic and post-Brexit bounceback is uncertain.
In an attempt to boost exports, the week - which runs from 15-19 November 2021 - includes activities and workshops on a range of topics to educate UK businesses on how to expand to countries such as China, India and the US.
James Sibley, head of international affairs at the Federation of Small Businesses, which is involved in some of this week's events, said:
"As we sign new trade deals around the world, it's vital that [small] businesses have the support and information they need to become successful small exporters."
Andy Burweel, international director of the Confederation of British Industry, added:
"The international trade week must be a launchpad to get our nation exporting.
"It will require a renewed partnership between business and the Government, not just at a national level but at a local level as well."
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