Originally written by Timothy Adler on Small Business
As Prime Minister Boris Johnson assembles his “war Cabinet” to confront Brussels with the threat of a no-deal Brexit, small business exporters have shrugged off the risk of Britain crashing out of the EU.
The majority of UK SMEs that export internationally are more worried about President Trump’s “America First” trade policies and the risk of a global economic slowdown than Britain exiting the EU without a deal.
In addition, the majority of SME businesses say Brexit uncertainty has had “no effect” on their company’s international strategy, according to a survey.
In fact, 47pc of SMEs surveyed by OFX, are looking to start or increase sales to Western Europe in the next year.
Overall, British businesses are still keen to engage in global trade, with almost half (48pc) having increased sales by an average of £45,000 in the last year. Meanwhile, 44pc expect to start or increase international sales within the next 12 months.
However, President Trump’s protectionist trade policies – which include the threat of new tariffs on billions of dollars’ worth of European goods — have spooked SMEs. Western Europe has overtaken the US as businesses’ favourite export market.
Sarah Webb, president UK and Europe at OFX,