Exports to the EU are down by £122 million compared to the same three months last year but were the third highest in the last three years.  Exports to the rest of the world are up by £277 million.  Exports to Asia and Oceania, mainly India and China, broke through the £1billion barrier for the first time.

And the East Midlands is back in the black, having exported more goods than we imported in the last six months for the first time since at least 2006.

Peter Hogarth said:

“The value of exports is up for the year ending March 2012. This is impressive and demonstrates that as a region we are continuing to put on a superb performance, building on the figures for 2011 which showed the East Midlands had hit the highest level of exports in a calendar year since 2006, when the global economic crisis hit.

“But our number of exporters are down for the same period last year, showing fewer companies are taking advantage of the opportunities overseas. With this in mind, we urge local companies to consider whether they could be engaging in export. Research shows that companies working overseas are more resilient and more likely to stay in business than those that don't, particularly during such economically turbulent times.  Our flagship programme, Passport to Export, has a fantastic reputation for helping new and inexperienced exporters succeed in foreign markets. Companies on the programme have access to a range of advice, support and training from colleagues based both in the UK and in our many overseas offices.

“The eyes of the world are on England, following the fantastic spectacle of the Diamond Jubilee and with the Olympic and Paralympic Games 2012 to follow. 

“We want to make the most of this and help local businesses build on the Olympic legacy. 

“Particular highlights for East Midlands companies include a series of sector based seminars being broadcast live from the British Business Embassy in London throughout the Olympics to audiences at LoughboroughUniversity, giving delegates the chance to interact live with such talents as Stella McCartney and Sir Jonathan Ive. 

“We will also be hosting events in October to look at opportunities in China, the last hosts of the Games, and Brazil, the hosts in 2016 as well as the hosts of the World Cup in 2014.

“Alongside this we will be helping local firms to win business overseas by championing their goods and services at a series of “Making it in the East Midlands, Selling it to the World” events, in every county across the East Midlands during July.”

Peter added:

“2012 is the year to take advantage of overseas opportunities and we want to ensure  our local firms are doing this. There are events taking place almost weekly where you can find out more. You can also talk to an International Trade Adviser one to one anytime for free advice. Call 0845 052 4001.”