MADE IN BRITAIN The value of export opportunities to UK businesses

We are increasingly seeing the global appeal of British-made products. Exports will help drive UK economic recovery and growth – and British-made products offer UK businesses a price differential in new markets.

As the UK moves towards greater stability post Covid-19 and post-Brexit, increased globalisation and rapidly growing emerging markets present incentives and opportunities for British firms to export. A willingness among consumers in key markets to pay a premium for British-made products, and growing overseas demand for ‘Made in Britain’ goods, further enhance the appeal for UK firms to export – and could have a positive impact on return on investment.

Barclays recently surveyed 10,002 consumers across 10 international markets – France, Germany, Republic of Ireland, the US, China, India, United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, South Korea and South Africa – to find out the average price differential they are willing to pay for British products. Our research showed that, while the EU and the US remain important trading partners for the UK, there are significant opportunities for British businesses to grow exports in emerging, high-growth markets such as China, India and UAE.

You can read more at www.barclayscorporate.com/insights/trade/made-in-britain/

The opportunities for UK businesses increasing exports into these markets stretch beyond simply financial growth. New revenue opportunities help diversify a business’ customer base and scaling up offers increased efficiencies. Scaling up also enables businesses to explore innovation and recruit people with the skills and outlook to take new directions and seize new opportunities. All these developments have the potential to increase competitive advantage and provide long-term stability. For British businesses keen to seize the opportunities that exporting presents, it is clear there are considerable rewards to be gained.

Rebekah Taitt

Relationship Director, Corporate Banking, Barclays

Email: rebekah.taitt@barclays.com

01 Deeley makes major appointment and launches growth strategy

David Currie has joined Coventry-based Deeley Group as Land and Partnerships Director to help spearhead the company’s drive to grow its Affordable Living brand.

02New surveyor for Vail Williams in Reading

Vail Williams has appointed James Newton as a surveyor to its business space team in Reading. James joins from Lambert Smith Hampton where he spent four years working across the Thames Valley.

New head of engineering at Oxfordshire space rocket company

03

Reaction Engines, the Abingdonheadquartered company pioneering the development of a rocket-propelled aircraft that can fly into space, has appointed Philippa Davies as Head of Engineering, a role which will see her more directly involved in shaping the direction of the business as she leads the entire Reaction Engines’ engineering division.

Oxfordshire accountants promote two to Partner

James Cowper Kreston have promoted Brad McAvoy and Margaret Savory to Partners.

Brad joined James Cowper Kreston in 2018 as a corporate finance director from Australia where he worked for one of the ‘Big Four’ as a director. Margaret joined in 2016. She specialises in tax for entrepreneurial businesses.

05 Bristol architect to head up global practice

Bristol-based Nick Fairham has been appointed to head BDP, a global architecture and engineering design practice which has more than 1,000 staff and studios around the world.

06 New chairman appointed to Williams Advanced Engineering Board

Williams Advanced Engineering has appointed automotive industry veteran Jean-Marc Gales as Chairman. JeanMarc will work closely with CEO Craig Wilson, who has led Williams Advanced Engineering for seven years.

07 A

Cheltenham-based clothing retailer Superdry has appointed Peter Sjölander as Chairman. Formerly CEO of Helly Hansen, he replaces Peter Williams, who has stepped down.

08 Three Counties invests in expanded team

Chris Eldridge Head of Shows and Commercial at The Three Counties Showground in Malvern has had his role expanded to an overall remit for shows and venue hire, while Jane Edwards has joined in the new role of Show Manager.

09 Vitruvius appoints business development manager

Barry Bodin-Jones has left GFirst Local Enterprise Partnership to become Business Development Manager at Gloucester-based professional construction consultancy Vitruvius Management Services.

10 mfg Solicitors promotes 10 to partner or associate

Worcestershire law firm mfg Solicitors has announced 10 promotions.

Farming expert Alexandra Phillips is promoted to partner. Andrew Chandler and Sally Smith also becomes partners along with commercial property specialists Ben Rothery and Rhiannon Clark

Five lawyers have also been promoted to senior associate and associate level.

Maynard Burton (centre in photograph), chairman of mfg Solicitors said: “The promotions come after a hugely difficult year where they have shone time and again.”