Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what recent steps his Department has taken to increase manufacturing sector exports.

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) staff are providing expert trade advice and practical support to UK-based manufacturing companies growing their business overseas and helping them trade successfully in foreign markets.

Exports of manufactured goods from the West Midlands region increased by over £4 million between 2012 and 2013.

UKTI involvement has directly assisted a number of West Midland companies increase exports and overseas sales; leading to bigger workforces, investment in new machinery and expansion of premises. Additionally, UKTI has helped West Midland companies attend international trade shows, raising companies’ profiles and significantly increasing the total business turnover. UKTI also provides overseas sales support enabling West Midlands companies to successfully acquire multi million pound contracts.