Jets to Germany, plastic buckets (or pails) to China, boxing shorts to Vietnam, cheese to the USA, these are just some of the products being sold around the world from Lancashire.

From exporting wool and importing cotton in the mid 18^th Century, Lancashire has always been at the forefront in international trade.  Since the inception of royal recognition for industry, 131 companies in Lancashire have been awarded the Queens Award for outstanding achievements in international trade, including the 2020 winners: Chelsom Ltd, Evans Vanodine International PLC, FPW Axles, Leyland Trucks, Orthoplastics Ltd, Premier Tooling Systems, Slingco Ltd and Standfast and Barracks

The region has a comparative advantage through manufacturing and our main exports continue to be machinery and transport equipment, followed by chemicals and manufactured articles.  The county currently exports circa £9 billion each year and, in an area, famed for manufacturing, it is great to see that exports of services account for £3.4 billion, with over 60% going to non-EU markets. 

A recent report from the Board of Trade highlights free and fair trade helps raise global prosperity.  Trade-led jobs are vital to the UK economy, with exports supporting 6.5 million jobs across the UK’s regions, of which 74% are outside London.

Now is the time to tap into the fastest-growing markets and sectors of the future.  Make the most of the UK’s free trade agreements and seize the opportunities of our newly independent trading nation.

Exporting companies demonstrate increased sales, enhanced productivity, less reliance on the UK market, extended product life cycles, more innovative products and highly motivated staff.

There is a vast amount of support available for companies in Lancashire and there is a real commitment from the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership and the local authorities to support international growth.  Practical advice and guidance can be found from the dedicated trade team of the Department for International Trade and the highly respected and nationally accredited Chambers of Commerce.