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Transport firms could be ‘export busters’

[ April 9, 2014   //   ]

TNT Express says that over half of all small exporters relied on their transport service provider to advise them on customs arrangements. The express carrier commissioned research to concide with UK Trade and Industry’s Export Week on 7-11 April which found that many admitted to a lack of understanding of export regulations and identified a string of barriers which are potentially inhibiting their export activity. In fact, one in six admitted to lacking the understanding on export regulations to handle their own customs arrangements confidently, while 56.8% said they rely upon a transport provider to handle this on their behalf.

The research also said that UK small and medium-sized firms are placing an growing importance on overseas sales, with a 35% leap in the share of their products being directed to overseas markets over the last five year

Companies surveyed, and who identified a potential for exporting, cited dealing with foreign administration or governmental requirements (28%), understanding foreign business practices (26%) and understanding export/customs regulations (24%) as the biggest barriers to trading more overseas.

Managing director of TNT Express UK and Ireland, Alistair Cochrane, said: “Against an improving economic picture it’s great to see that UK SMEs are finding success overseas, but what is also clear is that if they can be supported in better understanding issues around the rules, regulations and administrative requirements involved, they could grow their exporting business even further.

“The survey clearly identifies the role expert stakeholders such as transport providers can play in providing insight and guidance to demystify the export process and support SMEs across the UK to establish reliable export capabilities which allow their businesses to grow to their full potential.”

 

 

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