Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies has today questioned Graham Stuart, Parliamentary Under Secretary at the Department for International Trade (DIT), over action the department is taking to ensure that all businesses in the Vale of Clwyd, regardless of their size, can access global markets.
Speaking in Parliament during questions on International Trade, James emphasised the potential for businesses in his constituency to expand globally and asked the Minister to join him in encouraging businesses in the Vale of Clwyd to attend the online local Parliamentary Export Programme events he has organised and will be chairing, the first of which will take place next Thursday (March 4th).
He said:
“As our economy looks to recover from covid-19, there are businesses in my constituency that can expand globally. Will my hon. Friend outline what steps the Department is taking to help not just large companies but SMEs to access global markets?”
The Minister told James: “SMEs are vital to increasing UK trade, which is why we are seeking SME chapters in all our free trade agreements, and we provide a vast range of support for them.”
He congratulated James on being a “trailblazer” for the Parliamentary Export Programme events, and encouraged business people in the Vale of Clwyd to attend to ensure they receive “all the international sales support that the UK Government can offer.”
In a further question, James also asked the Minister for assurances that the Department for International Trade regularly engages with businesses of all sizes across the UK, including in north Wales, to ensure that the objectives of the Department are closely aligned with the needs of industry.
He was told that DIT has a relationship with more than 200,000 UK businesses, ranging from large multinationals to small start-ups.
Speaking afterwards James said:
“We have many great businesses here in the Vale of Clwyd and I want to ensure they are able to access the support on offer and understand the opportunities for growth as the UK forges its way as an independent trading nation.
“I know a number of them have already signed up for my first online Parliamentary Export Programme event next Thursday, and I encourage those who haven’t to do so.
“Whether they are new to exporting, have exported in the past or are a current exporter, participating in the programme will equip them with the support and tools they need to begin or continue their exporting journey.”
Businesses in the Vale of Clwyd can register for next Thursday’s event by clicking on the following link:https://www.events.great.gov.uk/parliamentary-export-programm
