Exports through Sheffield Chamber of Commerce leapt 77 per cent last year – sparking a visit from the head of a national commission which aims to tackle the UK’s 30-year trade deficit.
South Yorkshire International Trade Centre, part of the Chamber, handled £63.8m exports in the first quarter, up from £35.9m in the same period in 2014. Graham Cole visited to gain an insight into what needs to be done to hit a target of £1tr annual exports by 2020. The Cole Commission is set to publish its findings in June.
UK exports are £636bn annually, well below the £1tr target set by the Chancellor in 2012. Exports boost economic growth, create jobs and help rebalance the nation’s current account deficit.