More small firms have been urged to take a global outlook and explore export markets – before they reach the ceiling for boosting UK trade any further New findings by Barclays bank show 89 per cent of Yorkshire SMEs found selling overseas was as easy or easier than expected.

Meanwhile, companies will be able to find out more about export opportunities at an event being staged by a campaign being co-ordinated in Bradford.

Barclays is calling on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to consider the growth opportunities exporting can offer, pointing out that, on average, after four years firms hit a growth ceiling by trading only in the UK. The research shows that some firms resisted exporting due to being unsure how to get started or believing it to be too complicated. And nearly 40 per cent of Yorkshire exporting firms wish they had started trading overseas earlier.

Caroline Pullich, regional head of Barclays Business Bank, said: “What strikes me about our research is how successful at exporting SMEs are.

“This is despite 58 per cent of business in Yorkshire claiming to have ‘fallen into it’, or only looking at it ‘when an overseas customer got in touch’.”

The next event being held by the We Are International export campaign will be held next month and is expected to attract more than 100 delegates.

The Leeds city region Local Enterprise Partnership initiative is being co-ordinated by several trade organisations, including Chamber International in Bradford, and aims to boost the regional economy by £1.6 billion. Since the previous event, Chamber International has advised more than 50 businesses seeking help with finding overseas agents and distributors or advice on international tenders and seeking contacts in specific markets.

Early signs show that the initiative is helping to boost exports, with 37 per cent of Bradford Chamber exporters reporting an increase in overseas sales.

The third Export Network event, being held in partnership with Yorkshire Bank, will be at 7.30am on Tuesday, November 12 at Pinsent Mason in Park Row to coincide with Export Week.

Prof Bob Cryan, of the Leeds city region trade and investment board, said: “Increasing the number of Leeds city region companies trading overseas is a top priority for the LEP so we’re delighted with the level of interest that businesses have shown in the We are International initiative so far.”

For details visit chamber-international.com/exporting-chamber-international/export-networking or call 0845 034 7200.