Regional cities across the UK are hidden champions when it comes to international trade according
to new research from FedEx Express, with surprisingly high levels of exporting by local SMEs.
According to the new UK Export Epicentres Report, the majority of small and medium sized
businesses (SMEs) across the country are doing business overseas, with Bradford leading the way
with an 86 per cent export rate. In cities including Leicester, Oxford and Leeds, over three
quarters of SMEs are exceeding expectations by trading at higher levels than Britain’s larger
cities of Manchester and London.
Exporting confidence within the capital has spread throughout the UK’s cities, with lesser
known export epicentres now emerging to lead the race for international clients and custom.
Bolstered by the powerful influence of “Brand Britain”, a large majority (79 per cent) of SMEs view
their regional locality as a positive factor in stimulating overseas growth and profitability.
However, more than a third of those surveyed highlighted they require more support on a local level
to achieve international expansion.
“Now is the time to encourage UK SMEs to embrace their regional identities when building
global relationships,” said Trevor Hoyle, Vice President, Northern Europe Operations, FedEx
Express. “With over 30 years’ experience capitalising on market trends in the UK, we’ve seen
first-hand the wealth of benefits available to a business even at the very start of their export
journey. Our main aim is to give all Britain’s regions the support and guidance they need in order
to help our customers compete on a global scale.”
The report showed there is no shortage in positive thinking about the UK’s exporting future.
94 per cent of SMEs feel optimistic about the year ahead; with 8 in 10 believing their export sales
will increase again over the same time period.
“This research has unveiled some fascinating insights into how regional self-perception and
business optimism can be linked,” Hoyle added. “Our Great British history is rich and full of
industrial heritage, the promotion of which can go a long way in driving UK exports forward.
Although challenges still remain for some companies in doing business abroad, they can be overcome
by having access to the right support, expertise and network.”
