UK's export epicentres leave London lagging behind regional cities

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In a timely piece of research, just ahead of the UK’s Multimodal show next week, FedEx has released a report showing that the majority of SMEs in regional cities in the UK are exporting. Bradford businesses have the highest level of exports, with 86% of SMEs exporting goods abroad. “Regional cities are punching above their weight,” Ed Clarke, FedEx MD of ground operations UK and Ireland, told The Loadstar. “And 94% of SMEs said they were feeling optimistic. There is a very high ‘Brand Britain’ factor.”

However, one third of businesses said there was insufficient support for exporters, and it was acknowledged the UK’s logistics network could be better. “I think there are improvements that can be made across the board,” said Mr Clarke.

Come to Multimodal’s UK air freight seminars at Birmingham NEC next week to hear how DB Schenker, CEVA and LHR hope to improve things…