Trade Survey shows more Gov't support needed for exporters

During January, Research by Design conducted an International Trade Survey on behalf of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). Managing a sample of around 42,000 members, RbD designed and hosted an online survey, inviting members to participate via personalised email invitations. Implementing our continuous learning on how to more effectively engage with our survey samples, the International Trade Survey achieved an impressive response rate of almost 20%, more than doubling that achieved when the survey was last conducted online in 2009.

Ahead of the Government’s highly-anticipated trade white paper and the figures tracking the UK’s international trade performance, the survey results reveal that:

- Of 8,000 companies the majority (nearly 70%) aren’t current or likely exporters
- Among exporting companies, 15% still face difficulties accessing trade finance and insurance
- 65% of businesses surveyed were unaware of the Government’s Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD)

Overall, the survey shows a lack of exporting culture among British firms and the need for more Government support. A large number of businesses are unable or unwilling to tap overseas markets and many current exporters continue to face difficulties financing international deals.

The BCC's press release can be accessed here.

Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy and External Affairs:

“The British Chambers of Commerce has worked with Research by Design on a number of membership surveys over the years. The results and analysis undertaken by Research by Design have helped us to greatly increase policymakers’ knowledge of the issues facing small- and medium-sized businesses across the UK – and have contributed directly to some important policy wins. Without Research by Design’s forensic attention to detail, high levels of customer care and sheer hard work, we would not have been able to achieve such positive results.”