Mid Size Companies to Lead UK Export Boost

A major trade mission to Turkey composed of mid sized businesses will be led by the Trade & Investment Minister and the Director General of the CBI

A delegation of Mid Sized Businesses (MSB's) will join Lord Green, Trade and Investment Minister and John Cridland, Director General of the CBI on a trade visit to Turkey in April - the first-ever UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) visit to focus solely on opportunities for MSB's in an emerging market.

This visit is just one of many activities taking place as part of the BIS' (Department of Business, Innovation and Skills) campaign to support MSB's in the UK. There are 10,000 mid-sized businesses currently in the UK - just 0.2% of all businesses in the country, and yet, this sector represents 20% of private sector turnover and employment. Under the right conditions, they have the potential to unlock up to £20 billion annual GDP over the next decade, according to the CBI. The campaign follows actions for MSB's in the Growth Review, announced in the Autumn Statement.

"Mid-sized businesses are a powerful force in their local economies and nationally, employing one in five private sector workers", said Business and Enterprise Minister, Mark Prisk. "MSBs have immense potential and we want to help them to be recognised for what they do and to raise their sights to the opportunities that exist."

"I’m very pleased that the Government and organisations such as the Confederation of British Industry, Institute of Directors, Institute for Family Business and others are working together on a series of practical measures to promote the support available for MSBs. I’m also delighted that John Cridland of the CBI will accompany Lord Green to Turkey. Britain could be £20 billion a year richer if MSBs reach their full potential exporting to fast-growing markets."

Nick Baird, the Chief executive of UKTI will also accompany the UKTI/ CBI trade mission, which will be part of a three-year, £10million tailored package of export support to an additional 500 MSB's per year, with a focus on high-growth markets.

Springboard: An inspiring, intelligent magazine for international business

Springboard: An inspiring, intelligent magazine for international business - Winter 2011

As we start a new decade British-based businesses can look forward to increasing opportunities for growth across the world and in this issue of Springboard we aim to inspire our readers to take a global view when looking for new markets. We look at the importance of increasing export levels to ensure the UK’s continued economic growth and examine how sectors such as life sciences have become vital to the country’s long-term success.

Our lead interview is with design engineer, entrepreneur and businessman James Dyson, who explains why he believes that the UK’s strength in technology is our overseas advantage. We also hear from US Banker, Vernon Hill, on why the time is right to launch a new high street bank and PR guru, Lynne Franks, talks to us about her latest venture.

The countries of Central and Eastern Europe are the subject of our regional focus. We also hear from our colleagues in India on the main sector opportunities in this rapidly expanding economy.

With news, case studies and practical business advice Springboard hopes to give you the forward thinking information and inspiration you need as we move into 2011.

You can read the winter issue of springboard online.