CREATIVE NATURE STEPS UP TO SUPPORT TASK FORCE AROUND SMALL BUSINESS EXPORTS

Surrey-based top 14 allergen free food company Creative Nature has played an integral role in a ‘task force’ to create a blue-print for change allowing more SMEs to export goods and services overseas.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) was asked to lead on an SME Export Taskforce by Jonathan Reynolds MP when he was Shadow Business and Trade Secretary, to address the fact that only 10 per cent of small firms trade internationally. Now he’s the Secretary of State for Business and Trade. The FSB published its findings last week (July 25).  

The taskforce, which features input from Creative Nature and other companies such as Amazon UK, EY, and Santander, found the current rules make exporting difficult, Government support is confusing and the firms that do trade do not have adequate advice. 

Julianne Ponan MBE, CEO of Creative Nature, said: “There are many issues we have to address to make exporting easier for so many small businesses. We do export and we are proud to do so, but it can be fraught with obstacles from red tape to a pure lack of knowledge of how different sectors work in different countries. Companies like mine, need help to navigate this.” (or similar) 

The paper highlighted five key priorities: 

1. A cross-Whitehall approach to policy: International trade should be made a priority for all Government departments. Domestic and trade policies must be aligned to ensure the UK maximises the benefits from Free Trade Agreements. This means other Whitehall departments and regulators need to be more aware of trade goals and actively contribute to trade negotiations. 
2. An open relationship with business: Legislation and trade deals should be developed through open and honest discussions that prioritise the needs of small businesses. A Senior Exports Council should also be created to ensure continuous and meaningful engagement with the business community. 
3. Global leadership on digital trade: The UK should lead the way on paperless trading across the global supply chain. 
4. Open to export from day one: SMEs should receive immediate support when they start trading internationally, including robust expert guidance and efforts to overcome mindset-related barriers. 
5. Addressing the finance gap: Improving SME access trade finance and reducing the financial barriers to trade. 

Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair for the Federation of Small Businesses, said: 

“International trade is the ultimate growth hack for small firms – it allows them to tap into new markets and diversify their revenue streams. In turn, exporting businesses are more likely to grow faster and keep their heads above water during tough domestic times. But with only 10 per cent capitalising on those opportunities, we have set out a roadmap of how more can, and should, be done. 

“Our taskforce identified several roadblocks – a regulatory environment that ties SMEs in knots, Government support that is a labyrinth to navigate, and those who already export apply an ‘as and when’ approach. 

“However, with the right policies, the benefits to local economies across the UK could be enormous. We need to cut through the red tape and lift our small business community to trade globally, easily. We hope this paper will form the blueprint for policies that will change the SME exporting landscape for the better. 

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: 

“Our mission is to bring economic growth to every part of the UK, with small businesses at the heart of our economy. 

“I agree with FSB that boosting international trade is a massive growth opportunity for smaller firms; this welcome and thorough report identifies the practical changes needed to boost their exports which this Government will consider urgently. 

“This Government is going to work in partnership with FSB and small businesses from across the country to tear down export barriers so they can capitalise on the exciting opportunities to sell more of their goods and services around the world.” 

Creative Nature played a key role in the FSB SME Export Taskforce: 

“We need the new government to take the small business sector, which powers the whole economy, far more seriously and to offer us far more support to grow our businesses and showcase our talent and creativity worldwide,” Julianne said.  

FSB Policy Chair Tina McKenzie said:  

“We were pleased to work with Creative Nature and many others to gather valuable input from numerous firms. By listening to the needs and experiences of these firms, we can ensure our priorities are targeted and effective, ultimately driving growth in the UK’s export market.” 

For more information about Creative Nature visit https://creativenaturesuperfoods.co.uk/