Businesses in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are facing increasing challenges navigating global trade changes, with new research showing many exporters feel they are managing the complexity largely alone.
The findings come from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), in partnership with GS1 UK, which surveyed 939 businesses across the UK. Of those surveyed, 40% were exporters. Not a single respondent said the government provides “comprehensive support” to help firms manage trade policy changes.
Only 13% of businesses said they receive sufficient support, while 32% reported having little support and 31% said they receive no support at all.
Among exporting businesses the picture is even more stark. More than four in ten exporters said they receive little support and almost a third said they receive none.
The research has been published alongside a new report exploring how digital trade could help transform economic growth. It calls for stronger collaboration between government and business to accelerate digital trade systems such as electronic documentation, e-labelling and digital product passports.
Charlotte Horobin, Chief Executive of the Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, said:
“Businesses across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are ambitious and internationally minded, but navigating changes in trade policy can be complex and time consuming, particularly for smaller firms.
“Many exporters in our region are telling us they would welcome clearer guidance and stronger support as they respond to evolving global trade requirements.
“Improving digital trade systems and making export processes easier to manage would help local businesses compete globally and unlock further economic growth for our region.”
The report highlights the potential for digital trade to simplify international commerce and improve efficiency for businesses.
It calls for the UK government and business to work together on a joint plan focused on improving digital trade infrastructure, building international standards for electronic documentation, and expanding export support for businesses looking to access new markets.
William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said businesses are currently navigating trade changes with limited support and that stronger collaboration is needed to ensure the UK remains competitive.
The report also highlights the role that new digital trade corridors and private sector trade accelerators could play in helping firms expand into new markets.
The Chamber offers a range of support services to help businesses trade globally. You can read more about those services here.
Businesses can read the full report on the Chamber website.