UKTI Highlights Some Great British Exports

Firms that export report a 34 per cent uplift in productivity; achieve stronger financial performance and are 12 per cent more likely to stay in business. Put simply, exporters enjoy levels of growth and economies of scale not possible domestically. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. The benefits to exporting are plenty and far outweigh the challenges.

Did you know?

• The world's appetite for British television is booming. The success of formats such as Strictly Come Dancing, and The X Factor as well as dramas like Downton Abbey and Sherlock have led to a 13% rise in export revenues to more than £1.4bn in the last year. ITV1's Downton Abbey has been sold to more than 100 countries and Russia is remaking Life on Mars under licence from BBC Worldwide.

• In 2010 the UK sold £14,061,100 worth of Christmas lights, artificial trees and stands to the world. Including £1,074,140 to Germany; £360,846 to the USA; £189,539 to Norway and £179,519 to UAE. (Source UNcomtrade).

• A South African company wants to purchase half a container load of Christmas cakes, puddings, stollen and a variety of biscuits for Christmas 2012. The tender deadline is 10/10/2012 and interested companies should register their interest via the UKTI website http://www.ukti.gov.uk/uktihome/businessopportunity/230820.html The website also lists many other exporting opportunities for UK companies.

Commenting on the year ahead Nick Baird, CEO of UK Trade & Investment, the Government Department helping UK-based companies succeed in the global economy, said: “The value of UK exports and their importance in rebalancing our economy cannot be underestimated. Next year, as hosts of the Olympics, the UK has a unique opportunity to showcase our talented businesses to overseas investors. I want to see more SMEs working with UK Trade & Investment to prepare themselves to showcase and sell their product or service abroad.”