Export boost for UK small business as PM’s trade delegation touches down in India
As prime minister Keir Starmer leads an historic international trade delegation to Mumbai this week alongside India’s prime minister Narendra Modi, new efforts to boost export opportunities for Britain’s 5.6 million small businesses are also high on the agenda.
Although small businesses make up 99% of British businesses and half of private sector turnover, 2024 government data showed that just 22% of small businesses currently export their goods or services. The data also found that of those UK small businesses trading internationally, only 12% currently export to India. A key objective of this week’s trade delegation will be to help to boost further UK-India trading opportunities, especially on the back of a landmark UK-India trade deal announced earlier in the summer.
Small businesses across the UK will be further supported in unlocking vital export deals as part of the Great British Pitch, taking place at BT’s London office on 5 November during International Trade Week. Over 100 handpicked, export-ready businesses from across sectors including technology, food & drink and the creative industries will be provided with tailored training and coaching, before pitching via live-stream to an audience of international buyers, trade experts, and investors in markets across the world.
The event is backed by Michelle Ovens CBE, CEO, Small Business Britain and BT Group chief executive Allison Kirkby, who both joined this week’s trade delegation to India through their role as advisers to the UK government’s Board of Trade. It will also be supported by the UK government’s Department for Business and Trade, as it aligns with the government’s growth agenda and its Industrial and Trade Strategies, which all aim to put UK entrepreneurs on the international stage and open the door to global growth.
Michelle Ovens CBE, CEO and founder, Small Business Britain said: “It is a huge honour to be joining this week’s historic trade delegation to India, seeing firsthand the incredible potential for our great nations to deepen ties even further through trade, collaboration and innovation.”
“Through the Great British Pitch we want to create a further platform for small businesses to spark live opportunities, partnerships and unlock deals with trading partners around the world, particularly India. Britain’s small businesses have a great opportunity through the new U.K. India trade deal to accelerate their export journey and build on their potential.”
Prime minister Keir Starmer said: “Small businesses are the engine of our economy, and this government is committed to unlocking their full potential to drive growth as part of our Plan for Change.
Through initiatives like the Great British Pitch, we’re working together with fantastic organisations like Small Business Britain and BT to help small firms take their ideas global, drive exports, and power the growth our country needs.”
Allison Kirkby said: “India is a global tech hub and one of the UK’s most important trading partners – and it’s also a special part of BT, home to our largest team outside of the UK. We’re proud to be here supporting collaboration, innovation and digital skills to drive economic growth.
“The Great British Pitch supports this ambition, empowering some of the UK’s brightest small businesses to reach new international markets. With cyber threats more prevalent than ever, it will also provide training and insight to help them stay protected – so they can thrive in a connected world.”
Small business owner Hepsie Goddin, co-founder of gift and homeware business Martha and Hepsie Ltd., with sites in Sheffield and Devon, will be taking part in November’s Great British Pitch:
“We’re so excited to have the chance to pitch during International Trade Week, it’s a brilliant opportunity for us! Exporting can come with its challenges, but we believe British-made products are among the best in the world, and we’re determined to open doors and share our designs globally. The Great British Pitch is a fantastic step towards breaking down barriers and helping small businesses like ours grow internationally.”