Yorkshire export results: local firms seizing the opportunities of international trade

6.09.13

The Leeds City Region LEP and its partners have welcomed the latest UK export results, which saw the value of exports from our region soar to £4.43bn – up 4.5% on the previous quarter.

Yorkshire and Humber was the only northern region to show second quarter growth. With Leeds City Region representing 55% of the regional economy, and the largest manufacturing base in the UK, the results are a further sign of our economy’s return to growth following positive manufacturing results earlier this month.

The LEP was especially encouraged by the rise in exports to Asia and Oceania, which increased by more than £50m versus quarter one, but at £467m are still down from £507m a year previously. Supporting Leeds City Region firms to take advantage of the enormous business opportunities in fast-growing markets is a key aim of its We are International campaign, which aims to add £1bn to the City Region economy through export growth.

Victoria Boldison, a We are International export ambassador and export sales manager with Leeds-based Optimum Medical Solutions, commented: “These latest figures show that local businesses are seeing the value in investing time and resources into developing and growing their international presence. It is exciting that the figures show that this is starting to reap financial rewards.

“The We Are International export network is experiencing a surge of interest from Leeds City Region businesses wanting to start exporting, and with a similar drive and determination they can achieve the same as those which appear in these figures.

“Optimum Medical Solutions has had an excellent Q1 and Q2 and surprisingly August, traditionally a quiet month for exports, has turned out to be our best month of sales so far this year! We continue to push forward with our ambitious export strategy and are confident that we will deliver.”

The next We are International export network event will take place on 12 November as part of a programme of activities by the LEP and its partners, UKTI, Chamber International, Enterprise Europe Yorkshire and MY Export Hub, during UK Export Week. Experienced exporters from a wide range of sectors will be sharing their practical advice on breaking into key overseas markets, and there will be opportunities to find out about the extensive support available to make exporting easier.

For more information about the We are International campaign visit www.weareinternational.co.uk

Image: some of the LEP's We are International export ambassadors