BCC: Overhaul of foreign embassies will help boost British exports

Foreign Secretary, William Hague, today announced plans to overhaul foreign embassies to give greater emphasis to trade and exports.

Commenting, David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“This country needs a stronger focus on boosting exports if we are to succeed in growing the UK economy, and our embassies overseas have a vital role to play in this. The number of commercial staff should be increased, particularly those with local knowledge of the market.

“We also need UKTI on the ground back home to get behind existing small and medium-sized businesses to help target new export markets overseas.

“These plans are encouraging and could help ensure that the UK sees an export-led recovery in the coming months. I have no doubt that British business will rise to the challenge if the right support and market intelligence are available.”