North West firms grow exports to record levels .

Export-led recovery in the North West are on the increase as figures show that, in the last year, from 2009 to 2010, exports rose by 6% to a record level of just under £25bn.

During this period, exports to all four of the high growth BRIC markets – Brazil, Russia, India and China – grew significantly.

Exports to Brazil increased by 62%, exports to India went up by 43%, exports to Russia increased by 29% and exports to China by 28%. Other significant increases include Turkey, 69%, Taiwan, 31%, and Japan, 23%.

Key sectors for growth included advanced engineering, manufacturing and chemicals and food and drink.

The materials sector also enjoyed a “fantastic” performance with exports jumping by almost 70%.

However, the Government’s UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) arm says there are still many companies who are not exporting, and others who are exporting but not making the most of prospects overseas.

Issues such as fluctuating exchange rates, perceived red tape and worries about cultural and language differences are all barriers to exporting.

UKTI regional director, Clive Drinkwater, said: “The recent export statistics for the region prove that the North West is well-positioned to be at the vanguard of an export-led recovery.

“A recent survey by the ONS revealed that the North West is the number one region in the UK for manufacturing, is a leader in renewable energy and that businesses based here are among the highest spenders on research and development in the country.

“This is all excellent news, but if local companies are to maintain resilience in difficult times, they need to take full advantage of the commercial opportunities afforded by overseas markets, and planning your business around emerging international opportunities is becoming ever more important.”

Source : liverpooldailypost.co.uk