The Go Global Initiative aims to offer support and guidance to 100,000 UK small businesses over the next year, helping them to boost their exporting power.
Enterprise Nation has launched an exporting one-stop shop for UK small firms, with the support of Santander UK, Deloitte and Dropbox.
The Go Global scheme will offer targeted guidance to SMEs over the next 12 months. The programme aims to unlock the global ambition of SMEs and smaller businesses with high-quality resources, e-learning modules, trade events, mentoring and advice. Resources will include downloadable territory guides and information on regulations in an easy-to-understand format.
Research conducted by Enterprise Nation and The Entrepreneurs Network has found that if UK exports had rebounded as strongly as Germany's following the pandemic, it would be exporting $111bn more than it is now. Even if the UK had simply kept pace with other G7 countries, it would be exporting $65bn more.
The benefits of exporting
Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that UK businesses which declare international trade in goods can be around a fifth more productive on average than similar firms which are non-traders, even when firm size, industry and ownership status are factored in.
Enterprise Nation also reports that a survey of SMEs across 33 European countries has found that those that export are more than three times as likely to introduce new products or services than those which do not.
"We know that exporting, whether it be a product or a digital service, is a significant driver of productivity and growth. But many tell us they can't find one single place to find what they need, or when they do find information, it's over-complicated and patchy. This international focus on trade is about taking the lead and helping the SME community to confidently access new territories and markets with all the tools they need." Emma Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation.
Global support for SMEs
Santander UK has also unveiled its Navigator platform, bringing together solution providers, market insights and regulatory information as well as freight and customs solutions. John Carroll, head of international & transactional banking, Santander UK said: "It's clear international trade is a significant growth driver for businesses that are already active internationally and is arguably even more so for those that aren't yet but want to be."
Andy Wilson, director at Dropbox, said: "As businesses look to expand and grow, one of the common challenges we see is around tech adoption … being digitally savvy and having the right productivity and collaboration suite is a key competitive advantage. Especially as SMEs look to scale and work internationally, having a digital-first mindset and the right technology suite will be critical."
Lucie Swiestowska, supply chain, Deloitte UK said: "We intend to bring our global network to be a part of this, and fully engage with the social value benefits this can provide to SMEs across the UK. Our work with Enterprise Nation is particularly exciting in allowing us to bring a number of skills, experiences and new faces to the market, in supporting new and growing businesses to achieve their international trade aims."
Written by Rachel Miller.