Richard Drax, MP for South Dorset, today warmly welcomed a new, online, trading platform designed make it easier, more cost effective and quicker for British businesses to export abroad.
The GREAT.gov.uk website is a digital trading platform created by the Department for Intenational Trade, which matches supply and demand across the world. Secretary of State Liam Fox has described it as a “huge opportunity to grow more global UK business.”
By registering, businesses sign up for a wide range of resources, which include matching UK companies with overseas suppliers and showcasing the ‘Best of British’ products. The website also gives access to help, information and guidance on exporting goods and services abroad.
There are additional links to other sources of help and advice in the market, including Online Overseas, which finds suitable e-markets and offers exclusive access to preferential deals already negotiated for UK companies by the Government.
“This is a boon for British exporters,” says Richard Drax. “Whatever the size of your company, it is a fantastic innovation, intended to be the first place businesses think of when they consider exporting. It should make it as easy to do business abroad as at home, and do it using the full backing and expertise of the government.”
“This kind of innovation is exactly what is needed for our businesses to compete in an ever more competitive world. The site is due to go multilingual next month and I fully believe that, with support like this, our businesses have a bright future outside the EU.“
“I strongly recommend that any companies wishing to grow their business abroad should register with the website as soon as possible. “
Department for International Trade statistics show that currently, exports contribute over £511 billion to the UK’s GDP, yet only 11 per cent of British businesses currently export and only 6-7 per cent of those export to high growth economies