From potential to reality – promoting exports through a new partnership between government and industry

The Government has an ambitious aim to grow UK exports to 35 per cent of GDP and beyond. The Department of International Trade’s policy goal, set out in the Export Strategy earlier this year, is to encourage more businesses to export and to provide targeted support to those to do. Previous Reform research suggests that a close partnership between government and industry is essential. Survey evidence indicates that SMEs seek advice on exporting from trusted private sector advisers, such as accountants and banks, as well as from public sector bodies.

Speakers:

• Baroness Fairhead CBE, Minister of State for Trade and Export Promotion, Department for International Trade
• Lesley Batchelor OBE, Director General, Institute for Export
• Mike Mullen, Operations Director and Board Member, Jankel Armouring
• Karl Trumper, Managing Director, Global Head of Trade and Working Capital, Barclays

Reform was delighted to convene this panel discussion, led by Baroness Fairhead CBE, Minister of State for Trade and Export Promotion, Department for International Trade, to explore how government and industry can best work together to increase the volume of UK exports. This event will brought together around 70 attendees, including senior policy-makers, public service leaders and business leaders.

This event was held in partnership with Barclays: