A new digital trade directory is to be produced with the aim of helping UK companies sell their products and services across the world.
To be launched later this year, the Directory of Exporters will, according to International Trade Secretary Liam Fox, revolutionise the way businesses access international markets.
Potential customers and buyers from around the world will be able to search for British companies which are ready to supply the products, services and skills they need.
Dr Fox’s new Department for International Trade will be working with five major high-street banks to get the Directory of Exporters up and running. Business customers of Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest and Santander will be encouraged to join the Directory and promote themselves in global markets.
The online tool will be hosted on the Government’s Exporting is GREAT website and will be supported by extensive international marketing aimed at increasing and sustaining the ongoing demand for UK goods and services.
Predicting that exporters will welcome the initiative, the CBI’s Ben Digby said it was encouraging to see the new Department embracing digital innovation as a way of showcasing British export strengths to the world.
For the Institute of Directors (IoD), Allie Renison said that financial intermediaries such as banks are going to be crucial to helping businesses realise export opportunities.
The next step is to make sure these links are forged at the local level, she added, through banks and other professional services firms engaging directly with businesses.
The UK Exporter Directory is currently under development, with the launch scheduled for November this year. Companies interested in being listed are invited to register their interest at www.directory.exportingisgreat.gov.uk
