The survey of SMEs in the region by YouGov and business advisers KPMG found that complex legal regimes, followed closely by not having strong enough networks with overseas organisations and lack of tax incentives were the main barriers preventing small businesses from taking advantage of the huge growth potential offered by overseas markets.
According to official UK figures, only 17% of UK medium-sized businesses generate revenues outside of the EU compared to 25% in Germany and 30% in Italy.
Employers organisation the CBI estimates that businesses are 11% more likely to survive if they export.
Karl Edge (pictured), KPMG’s senior partner in Milton Keynes said: “It is not surprising that SMEs who have survived the global recession are choosing to focus solely on the domestic market in the UK, but it is short-sighted given the huge appetite for British goods and services abroad.
“Making the leap into overseas markets is not nearly as daunting as it seems on paper. There are some great success stories of SMEs who have achieved massive growth by successfully moving to overseas markets.
“Linking in with organisations who run trade missions overseas or have good networks abroad is the first step on a journey that is not nearly as complex as SMEs believe it to be and the rewards can be huge.”
Export Week, the campaign headed by UK Trade & Investment, began yesterday (Monday) and is providing advice and support to small and medium businesses on how to enter new international markets.
UKTI has organised a total 90 events across the UK, with more than 6,000 businesses expected to attend.
Chief executive Dominic Jermey said: “The UK is a trading nation. But if we are going to double our exports to £1 trillion by 2020, we need our SME community to explore international trade.
"With developments in e-commerce; access to UKTI’s armoury of advice, funds and support and the popularity of the British brand, the world is your oyster when it comes to global trade.
"It is disappointing to see that there is still reticence among both the small business community and the larger firms to explore all options when it comes to international trade. With decades of experience in working with businesses of all sizes, there is always support from UKTI which can prove invaluable to ambitious, expanding businesses.”
