Friday, October 19, 2012

News: Barclays hosting international business clinic in Rotherham

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Barclays and UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) are hosting an international clinic in Rotherham next week to inform local businesses on the ways to start trading overseas safely and successfully.

The business bank recently carried out research amongst 1,500 small businesses in the UK, revealing the rapid benefits of exporting. 29 per cent experienced a positive impact on their bottom line within just six months of expanding into international markets. Eight in ten (82 per cent) businesses experienced a positive impact on their bottom line after two years of exporting.

31% of businesses that currently sell overseas have had to employ more people in the UK as a result of their exporting activity. These businesses, on average, have recruited an extra 15 people in the UK each as a direct result of their exporting activity, which equates to around 336,0002 more people being employed across the UK as a result of businesses exporting or selling to overseas customers.

The research also found that 31 per cent of those who currently export are planning on branching into new markets in the next year and a further 24 per cent in the next two years. And, with continuing uncertainty in the Eurozone, businesses are looking for export opportunities further afield. Nine out of the top ten countries listed as targets by businesses exporting for three years or more3 are outside of Europe, with Hong Kong, India, China and Australia topping the list.

The research comes as Barclays recently launched a unique proposition, "Business Abroad", which provides the tools and know-how that businesses need to instantly start trading internationally with confidence. It offers free access to expert guidance, advice, workshops and tools, as well as discounts on international products and services.

Steve Cooper, vice chairman of Barclays Business Banking said: "Winning business overseas is a vitally important way for SMEs to prosper and help the economy grow out of recession. Our new research shows that in the challenging domestic market, exporting provides attractive new revenue growth for businesses, boosting the bottom line and supporting job creation.

"We are committed to helping UK SMEs take that step to winning new trade around the world, and have experts in place across the globe ready to lend their support and advice."

The event at the Holiday Inn on the morning of October 25 will cover the "Business Abroad" initiative. Barclays is also working with UKTI to help small businesses trade internationally – from securing their first international customer to setting up an overseas operation.

Lord Green, Minister for Trade and Investment, said: "Boosting the UK's export performance and supporting the growth of small and medium sized enterprises are key parts of our plan for growth that will help us secure a stronger, more balanced and resilient economy. The Government wants to see a further 100,000 British businesses exporting by 2020 and is committed to helping businesses of all sizes take their products and services to new markets overseas.

"Alongside the support offered by UK Trade and Investment, the Business Abroad proposition launched by Barclays will play an important role in helping British products and services find new markets overseas. I look forward to seeing our partnership deliver real results."

Barclays website

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