A survey of UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) carried out by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has revealed that confidence amongst exporters is nearing a record high.
According to the BCC’s latest Trade Confidence Index, exporting businesses in the manufacturing and services sectors are predicting that their turnover and profitability will increase over the next year.
The BCC’s tracker, which measures the volume of trade documentation issued by accredited Chambers of Commerce businesses, rose by 5.5 per cent in the first three months of 2017 – reflective of a year-on-year rise of almost ten per cent.
Dr Adam Marshall, BCC director general, noted that this increase represents the second highest level on record.
He said: “Confidence among exporters is strong, which is a timely reminder that businesses are doing their best to ignore the cacophony of political noise around them and focus on the success of their own operations.
“For UK exporters to succeed in the long-term, the next Government must deliver not only a Brexit deal which allows for frictionless trade with Europe, but also pragmatic and practical support for businesses looking to develop lasting links with new customers and markets around the world,” he added.