FSB concern about trade deficit

Commenting on the UK trade deficit for February which now stands at £4.8 billion, Mike Cherry, national chairman at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: “Since the start of this year, the trade deficit has widened significantly and this is of serious concern.

“Indeed, recent FSB research shows a worrying decline in export performance among small businesses.

“Small firms can make a significant contribution to the government’s target to increase the value of exports to £1 trillion and support 100,000 new exporters by 2020.

“But the government must ensure that the decision to refocus UKTI’s role and make exports a priority across government departments provides the right kind of support for those looking to export.”