Europe (English)

FedEx SME Export Report Reveals UK SMEs Fuelling UK Export Growth

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More than 63% of British small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are exporting and making a significant contribution to rising international trade by taking advantage of declines in the value of the pound.[1], reveals new research of exporting SMEs by FedEx Express. Exporting revenues contribute 59% of these SMEs’ total revenues, with a third predicting revenue growth to increase over the next twelve months.[2]

The FedEx SMEs Export Report reveals the digital economy proves to be an essential enabler allowing SMEs to take advantage of international opportunities, with many increasingly embracing new technology and processes. Chief amongst these is e-commerce, which has already proven its worth as a serious driver of growth—more than eight in ten (81%) of UK exporting SMEs generate revenue through this platform and almost a third (30%) have reported increased revenues over the last 12 months.

“It’s promising to see exports could be having a positive impact on the UK economy,” said Ed Clarke, managing director, UK Ground Operations, FedEx Express. “To continue this upward momentum, governments and businesses across the world should play an increasingly important role to align SMEs exporting ambitions with the digital economy – providing more opportunities to reach new markets and customers. The FedEx acquisition of TNT Express is adding a remarkable European road network to the world-class air network FedEx Express already operates in Europe and around the world, creating even more possibilities for UK SMEs to export both in Europe and beyond.”

The FedEx SME Export Report reveals 86% of exporting British SMEs trade within Europe while 63% export outside of Europe. As well as realising their global ambitions, these businesses are increasingly recognising the wealth of opportunity available to diversify and open themselves up to new markets. As a result, many are optimistic about the future, with a third stating logistics providers are helping them to respond to new market trends and developments.

“British SMEs are the bedrock of the economy,” continues Clarke. “As these businesses are displaying such great resilience in times of uncertainty, there will no doubt be an upswing in exciting and ambitious SMEs who also want to make their mark in today’s economy. By benefiting from advice from their logistics providers, these enterprises will be ready to meet the challenges head on with a lot of positivity.”

Over the years, there has been more willingness from SMEs to export to markets which are seen as difficult to enter. For example, 38% of British SMEs export to the USA – making the country the top export market outside Europe – despite the unique challenges associated with the country, including its vastness, regional differences, and strong competition.[3] Other countries SMEs are exporting to which can be difficult to enter include Canada, India and Australia.

“SMEs have once again shown that they can act as the guiding light for Britain as it enters its new economic chapter,” Clarke added. “To help overcome challenges, businesses are investing in new technology, new processes and new staff. E-commerce in particular is a burgeoning sector so if businesses align themselves to this, they can use this as a springboard to new and exciting opportunities.”

It is not just UK SMEs who have cause for optimism. The FedEx SME Export Report has found exporting SMEs across Europe are thriving and looking for opportunities overseas with 53% of them exporting to other continents, compared to 2015 which identified almost a third (29%) of SMEs exported to other regions. In addition, exporting generates 65% of total revenue for these European SMEs, emphasising the importance of exploring international markets to grow and prosper.

“It’s positive to see the European SMEs community remains optimistic about their exporting prospects and growth”, said David Binks, president, FedEx Europe, and CEO of TNT. “The FedEx SME Export Report has emphasised SMEs recognise the importance of exporting to grow their revenues with e-commerce playing a crucial part of this. The merging of digital networks and physical networks has meant the world has become even more connected presenting more possibilities to export – contributing to SMEs growth, while boosting global competitiveness.”

NOTE: Additional data to follow.

Top UK SME Export Markets (within Europe)

1. France – 60%

2. Germany – 56%

3. Ireland – 43%

4. Spain – 39%

5. Italy – 35%

6. Netherlands – 35%

7. Belgium – 33%

Top UK SME Export Markets (outside Europe)

1. USA – 38%

2. India – 20%

3. Australia – 16%

4. UAE – 15%

5. South Africa – 13%

6. Brazil 11%


Full report and infographic are available here: fedex.com/gb/sme-report-2017


*About the FedEx SME Export Report

Harris Interactive carried out 9,000 interviews (including 4500 in Europe) with senior executives in SMEs online and by telephone in 17 markets[4] spanning four global regions[5] between August and September 2016. Interviews were split equally by country with a representative mix of company sizes: micro (1-9 full-time employees), small (10-49 full-time employees) and medium (50-249 full-time employees). The sample size was 500 respondents per country, except for the UK which had 1000 respondents.

About FedEx Express

FedEx Express is the world’s largest express transportation company, providing fast and reliable delivery to more than 220 countries and territories. FedEx Express uses a global air-and-ground network to speed delivery of time-sensitive shipments, by a definite time and date with a money-back guarantee.

About FedEx Corp.

FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $58 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world’s most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 400,000 team members to remain “absolutely, positively” focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. To learn more about how FedEx connects people and possibilities around the world, please visit about.fedex.com.

[1] FedEx Express has announced the results of its second FedEx SME Export Report*, conducted by Harris Interactive among 4500 European small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs)

[2] BBC News Online, 11 January 2017

[3] Gov.uk, Exporting to the USA, November 2016

[4] Belgium, Brazil, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Poland, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan and the UK

[5] Asia Pacific; Europe; Latin America & Caribbean; Middle East, India and South Africa