Greater Manchester SMEs gain access to enhanced export support

SMEs in Greater Manchester are to gain access to an enhanced support scheme to help them export to more markets following an agreement between the Department of Business and Trade (DBT) and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).

The Enhanced Trade Partnership will pool resources available at an international, national and regional level into one easy to access place to ensure new and existing exporters have the best tools at their disposal. The first-of-its-kind scheme gives unparalleled targeted support for Greater Manchester businesses looking to grow through export.

International Trade Advisors will combine resources with other partners providing business support for SMEs, including the Growth Company and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce. As the experts on the ground, those organisations will work with businesses to help them set up and expand on their export growth plans. 

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: 

“My message to any business in Greater Manchester looking to make their exporting ambitions a reality, we want to help, and hope that the new hub will pave the way to get more businesses trading right around the world 

“We know that businesses who export, grow even faster, which is why this government is determined to get even more small firms on the exporting ladder” 

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:

“International trade has driven the transformation of Greater Manchester’s economy over the past two centuries, and although today our city-region today looks very different, the desire to connect and trade with the world remains part of our DNA.

“To realise our wider regional and national growth ambitions, we need to ensure small businesses to have the right tools and support to make the most of the opportunities in new international markets. This partnership is an example of what Greater Manchester does best, bringing together regional and national government and our local business support network to drive growth.”

Mark Hughes, CEO of the Growth Company said: 

“Having worked with tens of thousands of businesses across Greater Manchester, we know there is huge potential out there. This improved partnership is built on strong foundations, and we’re excited to see what more GM’s thriving business community can achieve with even greater collaboration and support across GM Business Growth Hub and our partners” 

Clive Memmott, OBE, Chief Executive , Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce said:

“In the post-Brexit world and the current geo-political tension in global markets there has never been a more important time for making sure that we efficiently connect our businesses to international opportunities and then provide top quality support to make this happen. It’s vital that the critical help and support that businesses require is delivered by the key partners in a coherent, accessible and helpful way to encourage businesses new to exporting or for those already active in international markets to expand and diversify where they trade.

“This initiative is based on these principles and builds on the sound foundations already in place but wants to take this to the next level to deal with the challenges and maximise the opportunities that exist worldwide”