BUSINESSES in the East of England experienced the second highest growth in exports to the EU compared to other UK regions in the first quarter of 2010.

BUSINESSES in the East of England experienced the second highest growth in exports to the EU compared to other UK regions in the first quarter of 2010.

Only London had a higher growth in trade to the EU, the country’s biggest export territory, in the three months to March.

East of England exports were up by �94.5m over the past year to �12.6bn, and up 15.2 per cent to �3.2bn when compared to the same period last year.

The region now accounts for 10 per cent of all UK exports to the EU and nine per cent of total exports worldwide. Non-EU exports are up 4.8 per cent compared to quarter one last year, to �1.98bn.

Vic Annells, UKTI’s international trade director for the region, said: “The latest statistics show that the outlook is good for businesses who are marketing their products overseas, and their success is a great example for other businesses to follow.

“Although we are aiding recovery through exporting, much more can be done, and assistance and support is there for many more businesses to get involved. Demand for UK products and services around the world is increasing and I would encourage businesses to give UKTI a call. We’d love to help you write an export plan to help you make the most of opportunities overseas.”

Businesses in the East are investing 39 per cent more on investigating overseas markets compared to last year, using UKTI services which tap into the expertise of British Embassies in nearly 100 countries.

INFORMATION: To find out more about UKTI business support and advice, visit www.ukti.gov.uk.