Three quarters of UK small businesses are missing export opportunity

Coming as the Government launches a drive to promote exporting opportunities to UK businesses, the research also revealed the triggers that could prompt these companies to sell overseas. Companies surveyed said that government support, clearer information and EU advice on trading across borders would all make exporting more attractive.

Speaking at the launch of Exporting is GREAT, Sage CEO Stephen Kelly said: ‘ We’re passionate about supporting businesses from start-up through every stage of their growth. Exporting is a significant step on the journey – one that many small and medium businesses don’t feel they have the support or knowledge to take. Our customers tell us that awareness of the opportunities and more government and industry support would help them make the move, so we are thrilled to be supporting Exporting is GREAT.’

Commenting on the UKTI campaign, Minister for Trade and Investment, Lord Francis Maude added: “Exporting is GREAT is the government’s most ambitious export initiative ever, aiming to inspire and support 100,000 additional UK exporters to sell their goods and services overseas by 2020. I’m delighted that Sage will be partnering with us to extend and sustain the Export is GREAT’s reach and provide support to businesses to boost their capability and help them successfully access international markets.”