Firms in Greater Manchester keen to export can now use a bespoke service focused on ramping up access to international markets, with local and national authorities joining forces to support SMEs and drive growth.
Set up between the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), the Enhanced Trade Partnership will assist companies from the region that want to trade internationally.
The UK government says the initiative "will pool resources available at an international, national and regional level into one easy to access place to ensure new and existing exporters have the best tools at their disposal."
Officially launched on 21 November, the scheme aims to offer companies targeted support from a range of experts, with international trade advisors collaborating with local partners, including the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.
Firms are now able to tap into the knowledge of trade experts, benefiting from one-to-one guidance and the ability to link up with in-market specialists. The partnership will also run events where companies can network and find out about new opportunities.
With the value of UK exports coming in at £852.1bn in the 12 months to the end of September 2024 – a 3.3% fall compared to the previous year – the UK's business and trade secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, is hopeful "that the new hub will pave the way to get more businesses trading right around the world."
"We know that businesses who export grow even faster, which is why this government is determined to get even more small firms on the exporting ladder," he adds.
'What Greater Manchester does best'
Located in the northwest of England, the GMCA has a population of more than 2.8 million and is home to a wide range of businesses across multiple sectors, from architecture and media to food and drink.
"To realise our wider regional and national growth ambitions, we need to ensure small businesses have the right tools and support to make the most of the opportunities in new international markets," says Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester.
“This partnership is an example of what Greater Manchester does best, bringing together regional and national government and our local business support network to drive growth," he adds.
Others commenting on the partnership include Clive Memmott, chief executive of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.
Referencing "the post-Brexit world" and geopolitical tension within global markets, Memmott argues that "there has never been a more important time for making sure that we efficiently connect our businesses to international opportunities and then provide top quality support to make this happen."