Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is urging the Government to make it easier for businesses to export so they can unlock their growth potential overseas and boost job creation.
The call comes as new research reveals that one in eight companies across the region could be exporting goods if the full potential for international trade was unleashed.
The Exporting Excellence Report by Heathrow shows that almost 10,600 businesses across the West Midlands currently export goods.
But it estimates up to 16,000 more small and medium sized businesses have the potential to do so. That represents one in eight companies in the West Midlands, which would deliver a multi-million-pound boost to the regional economy.
However, Staffordshire Chambers says this requires a step change of support from the Government – in terms of skills, sustainability and cutting red tape.
Chris Plant, Deputy Chief Executive of the Chambers, said: “Staffordshire has a proud heritage of exporting. From our world class ceramics sector to our local manufacturing industry.
“Exports are key to creating jobs and economic growth in the West Midlands.
“There’s a huge opportunity to continue to boost exports in the West Midlands, but we need the Government to work with business to close the skills gap, support businesses to export sustainably and, crucially, reduce the paperwork.”
The view from business leaders in Staffordshire, echoes the finding of Heathrow’s research through its Exporting Excellence campaign.
Asked about their priorities for international trade and obstacles to greater growth, exporters highlighted a series of challenges.
These included sustainability, a skills gap, access to finance and the need for the Government to provide a clearer and overarching strategic plan for export growth.
The Exporting Excellence report has made a number of recommendations to Government to unlock the full export potential of every region in the UK.
This includes the urgent delivery of the UK Government’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Delivery Plan to ensure domestic production of the low carbon fuel which will be vital in ensuring the industry reaches its net zero goals.
It also recommends reducing paperwork and moving to a ‘digital first’ system for customs declarations and launching a new UK wide campaign to encourage more young people to consider a career in logistics or exporting.
Advanced manufacturing and engineering are central to the West Midlands economy and to its export market. The region currently exports almost £30 billion worth of goods every year, supporting 511,000 jobs.
