THE Government is being urged to create a Small Business Trade Minister to boost the number of small firms exporting their products and services.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said such a post at the top table would ensure that small firms were not overlooked in key growth markets such as overseas trade, which the Government has already highlighted as a potential driver for economic growth over the next few years.

Simon Hanson, FSB North East policy manager, Federation of Small Businesses, said: “It is crucial that we encourage more small businesses to consider exporting.

“We are urging the Government to demonstrate a serious commitment to help small businesses in the North East export.

“Creating a Small Business Trade Minister would be a good start in achieving this and help encourage more small businesses across the region to take the plunge and start exporting.”