ICAEW Launches Guide on Exporting

ICAEW is launching a new guide on exporting in response to a survey which identified growing interest from European businesses seeking advice.

The move comes as the European Commission publishes a communication on supporting SMEs to export outside of the European Union. ICAEW says that it is important governments and the EU help European businesses fulfil their ambitions and potential.

The annual ICAEW Global Enterprise Survey Report 2011 found that 42% of non-exporting businesses surveyed across Europe (excluding the UK) either have definite plans or are considering starting to export over the next two years.

The survey also shows that of the European businesses questioned that are already exporting, 60% recorded growth in export over the past year and 63% are expecting export growth in the 12 months ahead.

Of those with an interest in exporting, around a third have indicated that they would benefit from each of the following types of support: market intelligence for countries they are interested in, market intelligence for sectors they are interested in and information on details of commercial laws such as product regulations.

Clive Lewis, ICAEW head of enterprise, said: ‘There appears to be an appetite among European businesses for exporting more than they do today, either by increasing their export efforts or starting up. To help businesses make the most of their potential and to help boost growth at a time when it is desperately needed, dedicated support both from the EU and from home governments will be absolutely critical.’

The UK version of the annual Enterprise Survey Report shows that a larger proportion of exporters recorded growth in the past year than non-exporters. It also indicates that 7% of UK non-exporters have definite plans to start exporting in the next two years.

The ICAEW’s export guide is aimed at accountants, whether they are working in a finance role or as a business advisor, and is published to coincide with the UK Government’s ‘Exporting for Growth’ campaign.

Lewis said: ‘Chartered accountants have an important part to play in helping businesses across Europe make the most of their potential. Providing access to information that will enable them to make decisions with regard to which markets to consider for export and how to best go about starting exporting, is something we are dedicated to help with; this guide should provide a good starting point.’