We’re looking forward to a very exciting week as we find out the results from the International Trade Survey, the largest survey of its kind produced by The Institute of Export (IOE) and Trade and Export Finance Limited and sponsored by the UK’s leading independent invoice financier, Bibby Financial Services.
The survey, now in its 15th year, was undertaken from March 2012 to May 2012 – and provides the most accurate picture to date of the health of Britain’s export industry. The survey builds up a clear evaluation of the UK’s export market which is then used by Government, the Bank of England and other UK policymakers to shape and influence future government policy.
A sneak preview has revealed that a lack of access to finance and skilled staff are the biggest issues hampering the growth of UK businesses trading internationally. That said, exporters are still bucking the national trend through positive growth.
These and other key findings – including predictions on the most promising growth markets, issues restricting export growth and rating of organisations providing advice on international trade – will be revealed at 10am on Wednesday 13th June at a special event in the Palace of Westminster.
Guest of honour will include Margot James MP, our very own Director General Lesley Batchelor, Mark Runiewicz of Trade and Export Finance Limited (TAEFL) – who undertook the survey and will be reporting on the results – and Simon Davies, Global Trade Finance Director at sponsor Bibby Financial Services (BFS).
Conducted by email and interviews, the survey measures confidence, issues and current trends affecting the export industry, monitors the changes affecting the international trading community – and reflects changing business trends. This year it received over 1800 responses – 50% of which comprised manufacturing and engineering companies and over 1200 of which are still actively trading internationally.
The survey provides an invaluable benchmark against which to evaluate the effectiveness of initiatives to kick-start international trade. We look forward to sharing the results with you next week.