Pictured above: Nicole Howarth

Small and medium-sized business looking to export goods should be considering key markets in growing economies like China, according to a Shropshire international trade expert.

The opportunities between China and the UK are vast given that 99 per cent of British companies are SMEs and in China, 99 per cent of companies in the private sector are SMEs too, said Nicole Howarth.

Nicole is the managing director of Telford-based Global Freight, an award-winning freight forwarder which assists companies trading overseas. 

She said: "We deal quite a lot with imports and exports from China, including bringing in goods via ship for a Shrewsbury firm which are then distributed across the UK. We also deal in cross-trade via China, with goods delivered to our Telford warehouse, unloaded, checked and re-packed for export to Japan, the USA, Finland and elsewhere in Europe.

"By 2015, around 60 per cent  of the global GDP will come from the growing overseas markets of the BRIC group of countries, Brazil, Russia, India and China. SMEs should be looking to these countries, particularly China and India over the next 12 to 18 months, as opportunities to begin export relationships.

Nicole said the UK's Minister for Trade and Investment, Lord Green, was backing moves by UKTI and the China-Britain Business Council to support SMEs which want to expand their business to China.

But the business woman warned companies to ensure they carried out sufficient market research, explored the legalities and regulations surrounding export and shipping, before taking the first steps.

"It is vital that SMEs take advice from experts, with UKTI able to provide a wealth of guides and support to small companies. But whether you are in construction, consumer products or manufacturing, it is necessary to identify which markets which give you most potential and understand that business cultures differ greatly country to country.

"Once that research is done, then it's time to look at the logistics of exactly how you're going to transfer your products and goods overseas, which is where companies like ours come in.

"Getting the right logistics partner removes some of the stress surrounding the legalities and regulations of moving goods overseas. The red tape can be a nightmare for the uninitiated, which is why getting the paperwork, permissions and customs documentation correct is included as part of our door-to-door service for customers.

"If SMEs are taking those first steps into international trade, it is so important to get it right first time, to demonstrate that export can be an option to helping to grow businesses post-recession. Getting it wrong could see businesses fail, doors closed to overseas trade and vast international opportunities lost," added Nicole.

Any companies considering trading overseas for the first time, whether for a one-off consignment or a regular shipment, should contact Global Freight on 01952 270699 or email sales@global-freight.co.uk