Export Strategy: terms of reference
Published 20 March 2018
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1. Objectives
Working closely with business, the Department for International Trade (DIT) is leading the development of a new export strategy, bringing together expertise from across government and the private sector. This strategy aims to ensure that government has the right financial, practical and promotional support in place to allow businesses to benefit from growth opportunities, generating wealth and prosperity for the whole of the UK.
DIT will work closely with businesses, industry, trade associations and representative bodies to:
- explore the challenges faced by different UK firms at each stage of their export journeys
- identify the specific sectors and markets where DIT support can add most value
- compare our offer to those of our international competitors
- map what improvements can be achieved within existing budgets
- raise awareness of available export support and finance
In doing so, we will ensure that it provides the most effective, relevant and targeted help from across the whole of government.
2. Scope
The Export Strategy will explore 5 important areas:
2.1 Segmenting the differing needs of UK businesses
The challenges firms face - and how DIT can help - vary hugely, according to firms’ sectors, size and previous exporting experience. DIT will take these varying challenges and needs into account to understand where its products and services can make the biggest impact for the UK business population.
2.2 Assessing different sector and market needs
DIT will compile evidence on how its products and services impact British businesses operating in different markets and sectors and seek the views of UK business in developing priorities.
In this area, DIT will work closely with partners across Whitehall to explore how exporting contributes to the government’s agendas for prosperity, stability and security, and to the Industrial Strategy.
2.3 DIT’s products and services
DIT has a range of products and services, which include securing market access for British companies, providing financial support through UK Export Finance (UKEF), and providing promotional services under the banner of the GREAT campaign, and as part of trade shows and missions.
DIT will assess the extent to which businesses are aware of, and access, its products and services, and how its overall offer can be improved. We will explore where services might be enhanced - and if there are other services, for example those offered elsewhere - which the UK should explore. Particular attention will be paid to DIT’s digital offering. This work will examine how to better make businesses aware of DIT and UKEF services.
2.4 Working with other providers of export support, including the private sector
The Export Strategy will examine how DIT can strengthen the private sector market in export support. We will assess how work with partners such as chambers of commerce, banks, and financial service providers can maximise DIT’s offer and ensure it supplements the work of the private sector.
2.5 DIT income generation strategy
DIT currently charges for some of its services. As part of the review, we will liaise with business to understand which government services are of most value to them in boosting their capacity to export. We will then analyse how they can be offered within a competitive and realistic pricing structure.
3. Leadership
The review will be led at ministerial level by Baroness Fairhead, Minister of State for Trade and Export Promotion, who will hold discussions with ministers from other government departments and engage closely with businesses and partners across the country, through a series of roundtables. In addition, officials will lead steering groups composed of staff from all relevant departments.
4. Output
DIT will publish the Export Strategy in the coming months.