South East: Region named top UK exporter – Baker Tilly responds to latest trade figures

The latest regional trade statistics published by HMRC have shown encouraging signs for trade within the region, with the South East now contributing to 14% of all exports from the UK – the highest exporter among all the UK regions.

Exports for both the South East and South West were up from the same period last year, with the South East up from £9.6 billion to £11b, and the South West up from £3.5b to £4b. Machinery and transport equipment made up the top export commodities for the entire south region.

The positive effect was also felt across the UK as a whole, with the value of exports increasing by 1.2% compared to the same period last year, although imports did see a decrease of 2.2%.

Kirsty Sandwell, office managing partner for Baker Tilly’s Gatwick office, said: "These results are hugely encouraging for the region, and really demonstrate the strong contribution that the export sector in the south makes to the UK economy as a whole. The South East has done especially well with these latest figures showing it to be the top regional exporter in the UK, and the growing success of the region’s technology sector is no doubt making a huge contribution to that.

"However while these results are very encouraging, businesses need to be mindful of the current volatility of some overseas economies – especially in China and the EU. It’s vitally important that businesses receive the right level of advice and support as there continues to be many risks and opportunities to weigh up before taking the plunge into exporting."