Local MP Alexander Stafford is leading a drive to bring free government support to more local businesses in Rother Valley, to help them take advantage of export opportunities and tap into demand for British products from overseas.
By organising a series of events through 2021, Alexander Stafford is helping businesses in his constituency to find out how they can start or grow international sales and get free government support to do it.
Alexander Stafford is working with the Department for International Trade (DIT) as part of the Parliamentary Export Programme, to help local businesses access the support they need to boost their exporting potential.
Alexander hosted his first successful Parliamentary Export Programme event with local businesses in Rother Valley on Thursday 11th March.
New research commissioned by the Department for International Trade estimates nearly 6.5 million jobs across the UK are supported by exports.
The report advocates deeper trade ties with faster growing nations outside Europe, with nearly 90% of world growth expected to be outside the EU in the next five years.
14.7% of Rother Valley residents work in nationally export intensive industries, with around 400 local residents employed by the motor vehicle manufacturing sector and 1,250 working in wholesale trade.
Commenting, Alexander Stafford MP said:
"Helping local businesses survive and then recover from the pandemic is one of my top priorities. That's why I'm delighted to be hosting events that can save local jobs and give businesses in my constituency access to information, advice and finance to sell internationally.
“I’m determined to ensure that our area does not get left behind and whatever services are available are provided here in Rother Valley to help us get back on our feet after Covid.
“There's no doubt that more trade means more jobs and more trade with high wage economies means more high wage jobs at home.”
Commenting, Liz Truss, International Trade Secretary, said:
“Export-led jobs are more productive and higher paying, but currently too few businesses export and our economy would benefit from being more international.
“This potential can be liberated through more trade deals, boosting our role as global hub for digital and services trade, and by pursuing policies that drive an exports-led recovery.”
Commenting, Daniel Hannan, Board of Trade Adviser, said:
"Free trade lifted Britain above the run of nations, and made us the wealthiest country on the planet. Now, as we recover our trade policy after half a century, we can once again be the world leading free trade champion - not just for our own benefit, but for the world's.
“Trade is the greatest poverty-buster anyone has come up with and, as we open our markets, we can take satisfaction in the thought that, the richer we get, the richer our trading partners get too.”
