Enterprise Nation recently urged the Government to prioritise SME export support in the Autumn Budget on November 26th. 

As part of an ambitious package of recommendations to support small business to start and scale in the UK, the business group says an urgent boost to SME export capacity now is vital to ensure home-grown small firms can build much-needed resilience and compete in a global marketplace. 

Launched during International trade Week, the proposals include launching a ‘Small Business Export Champions’ initiative, inspired by successful international examples such as Australia’s TradeStart network, to provide targeted communications training, digital support, and peer mentoring. 

It’s also calling for the UK Tradeshow Access Programme to be reinstated, to give small businesses access to powerful global opportunities like Expo West in California or CES in Las Vegas. 

Aaron Asadi (pictured above), CEO of Enterprise Nation said: “The upcoming Budget is a prime opportunity to position SME exporters at the heart of our nation’s trade strategy. 

According to Santander’s Trade Barometer, of businesses already trading internationally, 59% report improved performance over the past year compared to just 46% of those which do business solely in the UK. 

So, we know exporting is a fundamental ingredient of sustainable economic resilience1, which is why we urgently need a comprehensive export support strategy now that is both visible and action-driven.”

He added: “Countries like Australia have demonstrated how targeted support can transform SME export success. Their TradeStart network has helped thousands of businesses access international markets. 

The UK needs similar bold initiatives to grow its competitive edge. By adopting a supportive approach and leveraging proven international models, we can unlock significant growth opportunities and create a more inclusive export environment that benefits all.” 

The group says a coherent national campaign together with a unified digital export platform would simplify access to export support and documentation and share best practice. It also suggests the government ensures UK Export Finance has the resources it needs to reach its target.  

Enterprise Nation’s Budget Submission letter also makes the case for more broad support for the small business community across five key areas: markets, finance, technology, space and talent.