Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Gareth Thomas and Alex Baker

Thursday 12th December 2024 Commons Chamber

[Alex Baker (Aldershot) (Lab)]

2. What steps his Department is taking to help increase the number of businesses exporting goods and services.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Gareth Thomas)]

We recently launched Unlock Europe, a new export programme designed to help UK businesses build stronger relationships with European customers. Last month, in Manchester, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State launched a new pilot scheme, alongside the mayor and his team, that offers businesses in the north-west more support in selling their products and services overseas. We are determined to do more, and will bring forward further plans in due course.

[Alex Baker]

Exports from our aerospace, defence, security and space sectors contribute around £40 billion to our economy, but without additional support, many of the small businesses I speak to in Aldershot and Farnborough are limited in their ability to export. What can Ministers do to help them, and will the Government consider reinstating the trade show access programme, closed down by the Conservatives, to help more small and medium-sized enterprises trade around the world?

[Gareth Thomas]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right that we have to do more to help small businesses in particular, and businesses in general, to export more overseas. That is one of the key, but often understated, ways in which we can deliver growth for this country. As part of our work on a new trade strategy and a small business strategy, we are looking at further proposals to help our businesses export more.

--- Later in debate ---

[Gareth Thomas]

I recognise the significance of the post office in my hon. Friend’s constituency, as indeed I recognise the significance of post offices in my constituency and across the UK. It is important to maintain access to post office services as they play a crucial role in the high street. That is why we are determined to work with the Post Office to strengthen the network, as I alluded to earlier.

[Alex Baker (Aldershot) (Lab)]

T1. If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.