Focus on exports, urges EEN
West Midlands firms which do not export their goods could be missing out on hundreds of thousands of pounds in lost trade, according to the Midlands Enterprise Europe Network (EEN).
The business support organisation said that export-shy firms may also be overlooking a chance to boost productivity and recover from the recession.
The call comes as EEN prepares to get businesses involved in European SME Week which begins on 3 October.
According to research carried out by UK Trade and Industry, companies which trade abroad can boost their productivity levels by up to 34 per cent in the first year alone.
Craig Biffen, EEN project co-ordinator, said: "There are a vast amount of European export opportunities available for businesses. For a company, just one market can no longer be relied upon to generate 100 per cent of sales.
"Entering more markets means more customers to help grow a business and spread risk. Usually, the greatest obstacle in starting to trade internationally is a lack of knowledge, support and focus."
EEN is based at the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group and is fully subsidised by the European Commission.
