Logistical barriers prevent SMEs from exporting

The culmination of unprecedented events – including Brexit and the COVID-19 crisis – have pushed current exporting operational models to breaking point, with industry lacking the logistical foresight or workforce to alleviate this strain, claimed the report –  Delivering the Goods: The Global Ambition of the UK’s Entrepreneurs​.

In a survey of 1,000 UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), a third suffered damaged or lost consignments when exporting goods and 40% cited complex paperwork as problematic for their business.

Trading overseas has become has become cost prohibitive, with 41% experiencing expensive and slow shipping and a third having unexpected charges or duties added to customer costs.

GS1 UK and Enterprise Nation called for increased industry support from all key stakeholders and government to tackle these logistical barriers – this included improving awareness of the initiatives available to this cohort.

Exporting message hits home ​

Emma Jones, founder of small business network and business support provider Enterprise Nation, said: “What is clear is that the Government mantra ‘exporting is good’, has finally hit home and is being wholeheartedly embraced by the UK’s entrepreneurs – interestingly even those at very early stages see exporting as an important route to success.​

“But while they have nailed how to market their products and services to overseas customers and handle currency and payment, they need more support to build good logistical skills and capabilities that will ultimately cut shipping time and costs. The missing piece in their armoury is literally delivering the goods.”​