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We, the undersigned, greatly value UKTI business schemes such as the trade fair (SESA) and mission schemes that provide us with financial and practical support to develop export sales.

We further appreciate the role of business intermediaries, such as trade associations and chambers of commerce in adding value and sector expertise in the delivery of these schemes to industry.

We are dismayed that the present Government is prepared to use public funds, previously used for UK trade development, to attract foreign firms to invest in the UK on favourable terms and in direct competition with us.
We accept the need to reduce the cost of the Civil Service to the public, but query if the use of funds, previously used to support us to exhibit abroad, to employ 400 international trade advisers is in keeping with Treasury policy.

We urge the incoming Government to review UKTI policy, not agreed with us and to engage with our industry representatives (ATOs) in determining a new strategy for supporting SME exporters, which we can endorse.

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Letter from the Rt. Hon. Douglas Alexander MP, Minister of State for Trade, Investment and Foreign Affairs, to Sponsors Alliance, 16th November 2004:

"UKTI has taken the opportunity of a reduction in its total funding to sharpen its customer focus...as well as a shift in the balance of resource devoted to inward investment rather than trade development activity..."



Letter from the Rt. Hon. James Arbuthnot MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Trade, to Sponsors Alliance, 25th February 2005

"The Government is not only failing to consult with those involved in the export drive, but is also remaining vague about proposals for changing the SESA scheme. The Government is talking about cuts to the SESA budget, and limiting support to new exporters only. Like you, I am worried about this..."




The Liberal Democrats have pledged to abolish the DTI in its entirety. However, Sponsors Alliance will meet the Rt. Hon Simon Hughes MP on the 15th April to determine their view on current Government proposals for trade support and to seek their support for our campaign.

Campaign

We once again have to battle to retain a nationally run and properly funded trade fair scheme; something Labour promised Business on first coming to power in 1997. The Scheme is particularly effective. Not only does it support many companies to establish sales in overseas markets, it also provides Accredited Trade Organisations opportunity to earn from delivering the Scheme to industry, thereby enabling us to engage actively with UKTI in promoting trade.

Election 2005 Sponsors' Alliance Campaign Manifesto

Parliamentary questions tabled by the Rt.Hon James Arbuthnot, Shadow Minister for Trade for Thursday 7th April 2005

Mr James Arbuthnot (North East Hampshire): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what representations she has received from (a) industry and (b) trade associations in the past three months on her proposal to reduce support for small firms attending trade fairs and missions abroad. (224778)

Mr James Arbuthnot (North East Hampshire): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, when UK Trade and Investment will begin to limit its support to new exporters. (224789)

Mr James Arbuthnot (North East Hampshire): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what research her Department has undertaken into the impact of reducing the role of trade associations and chambers of commerce in delivering UK Trade and Investment's trade development schemes. (224790)

© 2005 Sponsors Alliance

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