Chamber welcomes UKTI export success

Clive Memmott, Chief Executive of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce has praised the work of the UKTI team for assisting businesses across Greater Manchester to export goods and services to the value of £28.6m during the first quarter of 2012. This means that the area has already delivered more than 50% of last year's annual total (£62m) within the first three months of the current financial year.

The figure, which represents 37% of all UKTI-supported exports from the North West in quarter one, comprises total exports by 838 Greater Manchester businesses supported by UKTI between January and March 2012. Greater Manchester had also contributed 76 new exporters in the quarter to the Export Challenge laid down by Clive Drinkwater, International Trade Director, UKTI North West, and is leading the way on the Challenge.

Clive Memmott, Chief Executive of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: "These are really encouraging figures and show that UKTI is generating greater levels of interest amongst new exporters and providing them with good relevant support to get started.

"In addition to this, they are helping experienced exporters access new markets and new sectors. Export performance remains very resilient in the North West and is the foundation stone for improved economic performance in a tough domestic market. To have surpassed 50% of the 2011-12 total within the first three months of the financial year shows impressive momentum which now needs to be built on and maintained."

The UKTI team with its International Trade Advisers, Consultants, Specialists, wider international trade team, in partnership with the North West Chambers of Commerce, delivers services across the region and assists companies with their international trade development.