Thursday 19 April 2018
London Businesses need more support connecting overseas post Brexit says London Chamber.
A new survey for London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) found that the most cited barrier among those who export was difficulty finding overseas customers, agents or distributors (38%).
This is followed by the cost and quality of international transport (20%).
Other main barriers are difficulties sourcing market information and identifying export opportunities, as well as lack of access to labour with appropriate skills (both 15%).
LCCI has been helping British businesses grow through international trade since 1881 and carries out an average of 11 trade missions a year as well as running a busy programme of seminars, practical workshops, one-to-one business clinics and roundtable events.
It has also called for the Mayor of London to look to minimise insecurity for London businesses by liaising with LCCI and other business groups on creating a Brexit ‘help desk’ resource to offer advice and information.
Chief Executive of LCCI, Colin Stanbridge said: “In light of Brexit, we have recently called on the Government to invest in better export support to help London businesses (especially SMEs) to exploit export opportunities in both new and established markets, including increased funding for trade missions that include practical advice and local knowledge.
“The Mayor of London also has an integral role to play in supporting London businesses who have concerns about Brexit and those who want to access new business opportunities in fast growing international markets.
“As the UK leaves the EU, it is essential that we build on our existing relationships whilst pursuing new opportunities.”
ENDS
Media contact
Katharine McGee
T: +44 (0)20 7203 1897
M: +44 (0)7827 241528
E: kmcgee@londonchamber.co.uk
NOTES TO EDITOR:
- London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) is the capital’s largest and most representative business organisation, with members ranging in size from multi-national companies to SMEs and sole traders.
- Colin Stanbridge, Chief Executive, is available for further comment and interview.
- ComRes online survey for LCCI of 561 London business leaders, weighted to be representative of all London businesses by company size and broad industry sector. Fieldwork took place between the 15 February and 15 March 2018. Full data tables can be found at www.comresglobal.com