Prospects improve for exporters

21 August 2014

More than two thirds of exporting businesses surveyed by British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and DHL Express believe their turnover will improve in the next 12 months.

 

The survey of 2,300 UK exporting firms shows that 10% more businesses surveyed expect the turnover increase than in Q2 2013.

 

Other findings in the survey include:

Manufacturers are more confident about turnover than they were in Q1 2014 (72% compared to 68% last quarter), but service sector firms are slightly less confident (70% compared to 73% last quarter)

  • Almost half of exporters (47%) reported rises in export sales compared with only 6% who said they fell
  • Recruitment intentions have risen by 10% since Q2 2013, with 41% of exporters planning on hiring more staff over the next quarter
  • More than a third of exporters (35%) said their cashflow had improved in Q2, compared with 15% who said that it decreased
  • The volume index of trade documents issued by UK chambers of commerce across the UK now stands at 119.27, the highest figure on record. The second highest was in Q2 2013 (118.12)
  • The highest increase in exporting activity was seen in the East Midlands, followed by Northern Ireland and Yorkshire and the Humber

 

Director General of the BCC, John Longworth, says: “Our exporters are optimistic about the future, with many expecting an increase in turnover having seen a rise in export sales in Q2.

 

“The volume of trade documents issued this quarter suggests that exporting activity across the UK is at an all-time high. This is fantastic news – as boosting our international trade efforts is key to our long-term economic success.

“However, if we are going to reach the government’s target of increasing exports to £1 trillion by 2020, the UK should be matching the level of resourcing dedicated to export support provided by our major international competitors. And government intervention must be more focused in areas which can really make a difference, such as providing greater access to finance to growing firms.”

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