Small businesses struggle to access support to export, says FSB

The FSB said it believed there was a strong opportunity for export growth, if Government assistance and information was made easier to access. The survey also showed how FSB members, who get government support, find it effective but, a third (33%) of FSB members currently find it difficult to access Government support for exporting. A further 45 per cent are unsure of how to get assistance with their exporting ambition. The FSB has long called for the Government to provide the right support and to recognise how the needs of small firms are different to big businesses. The FSB would like to see a more tailored and streamlined approach which will make it easier and quicker to access the information. The survey found that a quarter of (23%) of small firms export goods and services, with the most significant markets being for manufactured goods (55%) and services (37%). Those in the FSB membership who export are feeling confident about the future with more than a third (36%) expecting to see the value of their exported goods increase in the next three months. FSB chairman John Allan said: "Our research shows that, despite best efforts, our members continue to be frustrated in their attempts to expand overseas. It is vital that UK's small firms receive the right support, not just their medium-sized or larger counterparts, and that it is maintained for the long term."