UK's International Trade Hub

With Britain’s biggest dedicated air cargo operation, home to UPS’s biggest air logistics facility outside the US; or the 700 acre East Midlands Gateway 'inland port development' with links to the UK's major deep water ports; or the fact we're at the epicentre of the UK road and rail networks. Which makes The Heart of the Midlands the UK's international trade hub.

International Trade is at the Heart of the Midlands

East Midlands take top spot for fastest growing English region for goods exports. The United Kingdom is the 10th largest export economy in the world and International trade statistics for 2018 show that the UK is the second-fastest growing goods exporter among the top five economies, just behind China. The latest ONS statistics show that UK goods exports grew by 3.1% to £10.6bn in the year to January 2019. The number of VAT-registered businesses exporting goods across the UK has increased, when comparing 2018 to 2017. The strongest growth in goods exports within UK regions came from East Midlands, which saw the greatest rise in the value of exports (up 7.9%).

 

The Heart of the Midlands is key to International Trade

With global organisations like Rolls-Royce, Bombardier and Toyota in the region, you'd expect us to be punching hard in the exports market. However, businesses like Loughborough stationery firm Ohh Deer, has seen a 500% increase in its orders from US partner Papyrus in the last 12 months, with support from the Department for International Trade. Another company that has a thriving export strategy is Derbyshire firm Midland Lead. Based near Swadlincote, in South Derbyshire, the firm is the only UK manufacturer that provides machine-cast, rolled and sand-cast lead. Thornbridge Brewery, small brewery in the Peak District (you may be familiar with its flagship Jaipur IPA bottled beer) exports to 33 countries and almost 30% of its turnover is through exports.

 

Enabling International Trade

There are countless more examples of how the Heart of the Midlands is key to International Trade, and the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce is a great starting point if you want to learn more. Whether you’re already exporting or planning your first overseas ventures, the Chamber can help you reach new markets to increase your potential profits and revenue. Through their extensive programme of trade missions, training courses, seminars and business clinics, they help you target the regions most likely to achieve results. Spatial Global are a fantastic example of an international trade enabler, with freight forwarding, international mail fulfilment and ecommerce fulfilment.