Export Ambassador talks exports at 11 Downing Street
3 July 2014
A lead ambassador in the We Are International network supporting novice exporters, John Chacksfield, of Trio Healthcare, Skipton, was among a select group of UK businesses which had a private breakfast meeting with chancellor of the exchequer, George Osborne, recently.
John Chacksfield, a very successful exporter in his own right, was nominated to be among 12 businesses nationally to attend the prestigious event by export specialist Chamber International in recognition of his dynamic work in advising novice exporters seeking help through Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership’s We Are International initiative.
Discussions at the event at 11 Downing Street on Wednesday July 2 focused on practical ways to boost exports, business investment, and growth.
Led by British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) director general, John Longworth, and British Chambers of Commerce president, Nora Senior, the diverse chamber delegation gave the chancellor and his key advisers a grass-roots view of the opportunities and challenges facing British companies, just as Westminster begins to gear up for the 2015 General Election.
The discussion also highlighted the key role played by Chambers of Commerce as Britain’s premier private-sector source of advice and support for businesses seeking to trade internationally. All participants agreed that the UK’s ambitious export targets required strong and dynamic business-to-business networks working closely with the government.
Rt Hon George Osborne MP said: “Our long-term economic plan is working and Britain is coming back. But the job is not yet done. For decades Britain has not been exporting enough or investing enough, which is why I have taken continued action to reform our export regime, and provide the necessary incentives to get businesses investing.
“The British Chambers of Commerce has a key role to play in the long-term plan that is delivering economic security for hardworking people by providing the government with quality advice on the policies that will really help their members prosper.”
Director general of the BCC John Longworth, said: “Britain’s future success depends on a closer partnership between business and government. In turn, that partnership depends on Westminster and Whitehall listening to the aspirations and concerns of Britain’s entrepreneurs and innovators, as well as the FTSE 100.
“Our frank discussion of real-world business issues with the chancellor is the sort of exchange that should be at the heart of government engagement with business. Only by harnessing the potential of businesses across the whole economy will we see investment rise and exports grow in an increasingly cut-throat global context.
“Much of our discussion focused on international trade, where we are absolutely committed to working with government to boost British exports. Chambers have been in existence for centuries to support international trade, and being a gateway for both new and existing exporters is still at the very heart of what we do.”
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