While the volume of UK exports remained high, and confidence among both services firms and manufacturers was increasing, more than two thirds of exporters (68%) reported difficulties hiring staff during Q2 2015, the highest level since Q4 2013, said the Quarterly International Trade Outlook from the two organisations.
Although the volume of trade documents issued by Accredited Chambers of Commerce in Q2 declined by 0.3% on the previous quarter, this was still 1.5% higher than for the same quarter in 2014, and was the second highest on record. Export documents are required for goods exported outside of the EU, and this figure demonstrates that UK businesses are continuing to grow non-EU exports and are breaking into new markets overseas.
BCC said: "Firms are increasingly confident that turnover and profitability will rise in the coming months, leading to a third of firms (36%) expecting to take on additional staff in the next three months as a result. However, this confidence is rising much more quickly among service firms than among manufacturers.
"There is also a growing expectation of export sales increasing over the coming months. The balance of those expecting exports to rise stood at +24 for service firms and just +12 for manufacturing firms."
John Longworth, director general of the BCC, added: "This week we celebrated the achievements of those taking their A levels, but we have to remember that academic results are not the only thing employers look for. We need to make sure that the skills young people develop in schools equip them for the world of work. In the 21st century the countries with the most skilled workforces will be the ultimate winners globally...
"Businesses and schools need to work together to ensure students have a better understanding of the business world, the opportunities it presents to them and the skills that will help them to get ahead, including foreign languages."
