Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
UK exports have grown significantly, but there are concerns about supporting businesses to take advantage of new opportunities.
What steps her Department is taking to increase UK exports. I am concerned about the growth in exports and how my department can support local businesses to expand their reach internationally.
UK exports were £728 billion in the 12 months to August 2022, an increase of £49 billion adjusted for inflation. We create new opportunities through free trade agreements covering £814 billion-worth of bilateral trade in 2021 and support businesses with our export academy which has helped over 11,500 firms since October 2021.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP from Hyndburn and Haslingden highlights the importance of exports for local businesses and asks about liberalising international trade to support economic growth in the region.
Does the Secretary of State agree that liberalising international trade as a function of our new post-Brexit freedoms is key to levelling up our country, providing more opportunities for businesses like those in Hyndburn and Haslingden?
I wholeheartedly agree that opening up new markets through FTAs and addressing trade barriers will secure economic growth. We have 72 export champions in the north-west, sharing their journeys as role models for new exporters, and have hosted over 120 events during International Trade Week.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
A survey by the British Chambers of Commerce found that four in five small and medium-sized enterprises had not assessed their needs from major international market deals.
What steps are the Government taking to engage SMEs better with FTAs under negotiation? A recent BCC survey found many UK SMEs have not carried out any assessment into what they may need from a trade deal, so I am asking how we can improve engagement with these businesses.
We engage with SMEs through trade bodies such as CBI and FSB, which often represent their members fully. If a specific issue is overlooked, MPs can contact DIT to help businesses in their constituencies and across the country.
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Assessment & feedback
specific steps for better engagement with SMEs
Trade Bodies Such As Cbi And Fsb Represent Members Fully
Response accuracy