UK export chief in call to Go Global

Oct 15 2009 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

THE North East's export market is gearing up for a return to prosperity after overcoming the worst of the global recession. That is according to UK Trade and Investment’s (UKTI) chief executive Sir Andrew Cahn who, yesterday, pledged his support for The Journal’s export- focused Go Global campaign.

The exports leader was in the North East to meet with representatives from businesses, regional development agency One North East and the Institute of Directors.

He also took the opportunity to put his weight behind our campaign which, in partnership with the North East Chamber of Commerce, aims to encourage the region’s companies to export their way out of recession.

Through Go Global, we are urging more firms to export more goods and services and we aim to end any fears of expanding abroad and showing the support available to companies.

Sir Andrew said the North East’s export market had navigated its way through the worst of the global downturn and now had a bright future as the region’s businesses continue their strong performance in overseas.

He said: “[Exporting] is a great opportunity for the North East to pull itself through the recession.

“Until 2008, exports were growing very rapidly, before falling, but we think we are at the bottom of that [decline] and we are beginning to pull up again.

“The recession has meant that export markets are more difficult, however, there are whole parts of the world that have not gone into recession such as Taiwan, China and Brazil, where growth has merely been reduced.”

He also called on small and medium firms to tap into the rich seam of support available to them and to at least consider how overseas expansion could benefit them. He said: “The Go Global campaign is fantastic. What we are saying is that if you want opportunities for growth, if you want to find areas that are vibrant, then you’ve got to export.

“Exporting improves the company and improves the economy because, when you are exporting, you are up against the best. You face more challenges but you are also more competitive and you can grow more rapidly.

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