Feature: International Trade & Export


A world of opportunities…


It can be argued that there has never been a better time to consider the benefits of trading internationally. Yet many SMEs shy away from export and international trade citing it as a risky activity. However the more you know, the better equipped you are to make a decision on any aspect of business - including whether export and international trade is for you.


In a report for Barclays, Kingston University London interviewed 1,500 SMEs, of which 1,000 were exporters. They found the benefits of exporting were better than anyone anticipated: 15% of owner-managers said the experience was much better than expected and 39% better than expected. The next set of figures stated that 80% of exporters claimed exporting had enabled their business to grow and while the speed of impact on businesses can vary, two-thirds said they felt the impact in the first year. Almost half of exporters reported increased sales in the previous two years compared to 24% of non-exporters. So what do you need to know if you’re thinking of


trading internationally? Adriaan Vickery, Chairman at Chamber member East Midlands International Trade


30 East Midlands Chamber Directory 2018


Association (emita) – an independent not-for-profit organisation which promotes international trade among the region’s businesses – highlighted two key areas for consideration in a piece written for the Chamber’s Business Networkmagazine.


Adriaan said: “Let’s start with research first. Your research will show where the opportunities are and what you will need to consider. Here are the five areas we urge all exporters - whether new to export or experienced exporters - to consider each time they look at the subject:


1. Research to understand the new market you are considering going into Who is going to buy from you? What is their business culture? How do they do business and what will you need to change/adapt in order to operate there?


Adriaan Vickery


‘Define your next steps clearly and assign responsibilities to the actions along with clear timelines’


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