The LGA has published guidance to help councils support their local businesses to take advantage of new and emerging export opportunities across the globe.
‘Councils’ role in supporting the exports industry’, commissioned by the LGA with support from the Department for International Trade, found that nearly 6.5 million UK jobs are reliant on exports, particularly in London and the South East.
Councils have an important role to play in supporting a greater volume of exports from small and medium sized enterprises, with many businesses looking to them for advice around arrangements for exporting goods and services and the regulatory framework.
For example, in Sunderland, the city council developed strong economic ties with its twin cities and promoted inward investment with major local employers in Japan and the USA.
And Kent County Council was one of a number of organisations that set up Kent International Business, a group that works with local businesses to identify international trade options and coordinate local export services.
Cllr Kevin Bentley, Chair of the LGA’s People and Places Board, said: “This guide will help local authorities to build connections and work with partners domestically and internationally to help support greater exports and create jobs in their local communities.
“Councils stand ready to work with the Government as an important partner to build back better and level up the country, including supporting local businesses to increase exports.”