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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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