Trade Support Gap Leaves Firms Flying Solo

Zero percent of surveyed UK exporters say they have “comprehensive support” from government to manage trade policy changes, according to new research by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), in partnership with global standards organisation GS1 UK.

The BCC’s Insights Unit surveyed 939 firms – 40% exporters – with 0% of responding businesses saying government was providing comprehensive support on trade policy changes.

Of all firms surveyed, only 13% feel they get sufficient support, while 32% and 31% feel they either have not much support or no support at all, respectively.

Exporters are more likely to say they receive little trade policy support from government. 41% feel they don’t have much support and 32% no support at all. Only 17% say they are getting sufficient support. Again, 0% say they get comprehensive support.

The data comes as the BCC and GS1 UK publish a new report examining how digital trade can help transform economic growth. The report concludes that “standing still on trade digitalisation, e-certification and e-labelling is a manifesto for economic decline”.

The report calls for a joint plan between UK government and business to manage digital trade. The plan focusses on:

• Creating e-labelling and digital product passport systems that work seamlessly across key markets.
• The UK should show leadership in building global adoption of electronic trade documentation.
• Establish effective digital trade corridors following the UK’s soon to be launched pilot schemes with France and Germany.
• Creating new pathways for export support and market expansion through private sector and BCC led trade accelerators

William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said:

“Our research is clear, UK exporters are navigating trade policy changes largely alone.

“At a time when the global trade landscape is changing constantly, firms tell us comprehensive support from government is lacking. Many businesses feel they are getting little or no advice.

“To help grow the economy and keep the UK competitive, we need a joint plan between government and business to drive forward digital trade. Standing still isn’t an option.

“The UK has real strengths in digital trade documentation and world class private sector capability. Those strengths need to be urgently harnessed alongside comprehensive support to exporters across the UK.”

Iain Walker, Industry Engagement Director at GS1 UK said:

“Fifty years ago, GS1 standards transformed global trade by giving industry a shared language.

“Today, we need the same collaborative spirit to prepare businesses for the digital age, from e labelling and digital product passports to electronic documentation. Our research shows UK exporters are being left to navigate this transition largely on their own, without the government support they need.

“The private sector and GS1 UK already have world class digital capability. What’s missing is a genuine partnership with government to put the right frameworks in place. Without it, the UK risks falling behind.”

You can read the full BCC report here