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Government launches new digital trade hub to propel UK exports

International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox has launched a new E-exporting service to help more UK businesses break into overseas markets.

The launch of the GREAT.gov.uk trade hub for businesses will help firms access millions of pounds’ worth of potential overseas business, give practical advice, and signpost support to help them win lucrative contracts according to Dr Fox.

The government’s existing E-exporting programme has assisted over 3,000 companies to become exporters and has delivered export deals totalling £388m since 2014.

The new digital trade hub is part of a push to help a further 100,000 more UK businesses export by 2020. Through e-exporting alone government intends to deliver an additional 20,000 online exporters and £2 billion worth of value to the UK economy by 2020.

The new site will reportedly act as a single digital destination for trade and investment, bringing together and connecting UK businesses, international buyers and international investors.

Dr Fox explained: “Maximising the opportunities for international trade is not only in our best economic interests – it’s crucial to the UK’s future prosperity to ensure we’re building and maintaining an economy that works for everybody.

“We have always been at the forefront of the free trade-supporting countries in the EU, but despite this only around 11% of registered British businesses currently export beyond our borders.

“Some businesses have told us they don’t know where to start or how to make the next step onto the global marketplace. That’s why we want to support UK businesses large and small as they grow and help them connect with global demand to fulfil our greatest economic ambitions.

“GREAT.gov.uk will show an international audience that we’re home to the most dynamic and innovative companies in the world and that Britain is open for business as never before.”

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