New research has revealed that London businesses are increasingly contributing to the UK economy by exporting home made goods around the world. London’s contribution to UK export growth is allowing local businesses to prosper and hire more staff.
The research was conducted for Export Week (9-13 November) by Heathrow and reveals that manufactured goods, including cars, clothing and jewellery, topped the list of exports produced by local businesses and transported across the world. A survey conducted by Heathrow also revealed some of the top destinations where businesses from London export their products; to including; Germany, France and the United States. In total more than £48 billion worth of exports left the UK via Heathrow alone between August 2014 and July this year.
In order to measure the impact of exports on the local economy, Heathrow commissioned research to survey key business decision makers across London to gauge their attitude to UK exports. 79% of business decision makers surveyed revealed that exporting allows them to expand their business and directly hire new staff.
To further celebrate Export Week, Heathrow created a unique export café using 25 businesses from all regions of the UK, including local business, The London Deli Company. The café offered travellers the chance to learn more about the varied exports that travel via Heathrow every day and even taste some of the exciting food and drink that Britain and London shares with the world.
Commenting on the launch of the research and the Heathrow Export Café, Emma Gilthorpe, Heathrow’s Strategy Director said: “We are thrilled to be working with The London Deli Company and other UK exporters to celebrate some of the great produce from local businesses and the UK that is shared around the globe. At Heathrow we are delighted to support the UK government’s Exporting is GREAT campaign to help raise awareness of the benefits of exporting and the support network that is in place to help businesses across Britain to reach dining tables and markets across the world.
“The true heroes of this campaign are the local businesses who have gone beyond UK borders and opened new markets to the benefit of their local communities and the UK’s economy.”
Craig Benton at The London Deli Company explained: “Exporting has opened up exciting new opportunities and allowed my business to grow and flourish and Heathrow, the UK’s biggest port, is vital to help me get my goods to market. Businesses across the UK have a fantastic range of services and products on offer and I am proud to be taking quality British produce worldwide and pleased to be able to showcase my company at Heathrow”
The Rt Hon Lord Maude of Horsham, Minister for Trade and Investment said: “Exporting is GREAT is the government’s most ambitious export campaign ever, aiming to inspire and support 100,000 additional UK exporters to sell their goods and services overseas by 2020. I’m delighted that Heathrow will be partnering with us to extend and sustain the campaign’s reach and provide support to businesses to boost their capability and help them successfully access international markets.”
