Gary Hawthorne Co-founder and director
Becoming more
globally engaged could help us
rapidly scale-up many sections of Lancashire’s economy
the world is one of its top priorities.
In May the government reported that action by the Department of Business and Trade had led to Lancashire-based VetPlus’ sales in the Indian region more than doubling.
VetPlus is a family-owned business founded in 1995 in Lytham. A global leader in veterinary nutraceuticals, it has distributors in more than 40 countries and a presence on every continent, with more than 90 per cent of products produced in-house in its home town.
The Department of Business and Trade said VetPlus’ pet feed supplements were able to continue being sold in India after a “bureaucratic trade barrier” blocking exports of British pet feed supplements to the country was lifted.
Business and trade secretary Kemi Badenoch said: “India is a massive market for UK companies and I am delighted to see VetPlus reaping the rewards after decisive action from the department meant their pet feed supplements could be stocked on Indian shelves.
“As we remove barriers to trade around the world, we create more opportunities for British businesses to export their excellent products, create more jobs, and unlock billions for the UK economy.
David Haythornthwaite, founder and chairman of VetPlus, said: “As an international business operating on every continent, it’s important that we can uphold the varied regulatory and compliance requirements in place across our markets.
“It has been great to work with the department to meet the change in requirements for the Indian market which meant that we could ensure the consistent supply and availability of our products for pet owners through their veterinary practices.”
The UK is currently in talks with India on a new free trade agreement to boost the current trading relationship, already worth £36 billion in 2022. UK businesses sold goods and services worth around £15bn to India in 2022. The government says a trade deal could bring down even more barriers.
The Blackpool based Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) believes more needs
to be done to make international trade easier for firms.
Its policy chair Tina McKenzie said recent figures showing 42 per cent of all UK businesses believe exports will rise over the next five years was “encouraging”.
However, she added: “The government should keep this momentum up by making international trade easier for firms.
“As far as small businesses are concerned, excessive customs paperwork, cost burdens and supply chain and logistical issues can put overseas markets out of reach.”
She added: “Unlike big corporates, most small international traders don’t have teams dedicated to customs clearance and rely on high-cost intermediaries to navigate new or unfamiliar border controls.
“Small exporters are also likely to face higher shipping costs than their larger counterparts as they are unable to commit to large volume shipments, so are less able to negotiate deals with couriers.
“Many small businesses are still very eager to go global despite the bumpy journey and deserve further government support.”
LANCASHIRE’S TOP FIVE EXPORTS
1. Machinery and transport equipment £2,125m (36.1 per cent)
2. Manufactured good classed chiefly by material £1,438m (24.4 per cent)
3. Chemical and related products £1,170m (19.9 per cent)
4. Misc manufactured articles £721m (12.2 per cent)
5. Food and live animals £319m (5.4 per cent)
2021 Department for Business and Trade figures LANCASHIREBUSINES SV
IEW.CO.UK
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HOW TO MANAGE YOUR VEHICLE FLEET SUSTAINABLY
In the age of conscious capitalism, sustainability is not just a buzzword - it’s a crucial element of corporate success.
We know that going green whilst managing a fleet of vehicles can seem challenging. However, with the right tools, it’s entirely feasible.
Prioritising vehicle maintenance. You’re busy. You’ve got a lot on your plate. And it might be tempting to overlook minor vehicle issues. However, carrying out regular preventative maintenance checks is crucial to ensure your fleet is running as efficiently as it should be. These routine checks can extend the lifespan of your vehicles, prevent breakdowns, reduce fuel consumption and make your operations more eco-friendly.
Enhancing operational oversight. Next, with tools like Geofencing, you can increase fleet visibility, accurately track team journeys, ensure staff are in the right place at the right time, reduce unnecessary journeys and lower emissions.
Transitioning to Electric Vehicles. One of the most impactful ways to reduce emissions is transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs). Unlike combustion engine vehicles, EVs are emissions- free and will significantly minimise your greenhouse gases. At CheckedSafe, we provide bespoke templates to check any type of EV vehicle or asset.
Remote work. Finally, in an era where remote work is the norm, it’s crucial for you to embrace technology that allows you to complete checks and audits remotely. This will reduce your need for travel and consequently reduce your company’s carbon footprint.
Ready to tackle those Net Zero goals and begin making your fleet management more sustainable? As the UK’s leading fleet management provider, CheckedSafe are here to help.
Call us on 01282 908429 or visit
checkedsafe.com
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Shutterstock.com
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INTERNATIONAL TRADE
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