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Local reaction to latest export figures

The NECC is urging exporters not to be complacent after new figures showed that North East export figures remained at a record high.

HRMC statistics showed that North East exports in Q2 were slightly lower than in Q1, but still totalled £3.112 billion.

The 12 month total was up to an average of £12.904 billion, a 21 percent increase on the previous 12 months, and 6 percent higher than the national average.

Ross Smith, head of policy at NECC, commented: “These are still a strong set of statistics which backs up the feedback that we’re getting from members, i.e. that exporters in the North East are continuing to perform very strongly and growing at a faster rate than the UK average.

“However, the slight dip proves that we can’t be complacent about this and we need to make sure that there’s a strong focus on exporters continuing to get the advice, finance and transport links that they need to keep up their excellent performance.”

Figures released this quarter were still the third highest quarterly total for the region.

David Coppack, UKTI Regional director for the North East added: “Evidence has shown that there is a positive link between innovation, research and development and exporting: companies that are innovative and invest in R&D are more likely to export and benefit from exporting, while exporting drives innovation and R&D through increased competition and access to new markets.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .