Latest exports figures putting the East Midlands on top are welcomed by the region's LEPs
The East Midlands is the fastest growing region for exports in the UK with a 13 per cent increase on last year according to official Government figures.
The latest data showed that seven regions in England reported an increase in exports from the year ending June 2018, and the East Midlands accounted for the largest rise.
The news has been jointly welcomed by three East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnerships – The Greater Lincolnshire LEP, The LEP for Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire (D2N2) and the Leicester and Leicestershire LEP.
Ursula Lidbetter MBE, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, commented: “The East Midlands continues to outperform expectations in terms of economic output. These new figures are testament to many of the hard-working businesses based here.
“The East Midlands is a great place to do business, and as these numbers show, particularly for exporters.
“As a LEP, we’ll continue to work with our public and private partners to make sure next year’s numbers are even higher.”
The figures have also been welcomed by Chief Executive of Morningside Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Department for International Trade Export Champion and LLEP Board Member Dr Nik Kotecha OBE.
Dr Kotecha said: “The East Midlands is the manufacturing spine of the UK and a major contributor to the UK economy.
“Despite the uncertainty brought about by Brexit, East Midlands businesses are robust and responsive to change, which is proven by the latest export results. As a whole, the Midlands Engine is an economic powerhouse which can only strengthen as the East and West Midlands continue to work closely together.
“The latest exporting data is great news for the region, but for this to continue we should build on this achievement by encouraging and supporting more businesses to explore successful trade opportunities around the world.”
Sajeeda Rose, Interim Chief Executive of D2N2, commented: “UK companies that export have a real competitive advantage, leading to more sales and new markets.
“The D2N2 LEP has always championed exporting as a catalyst for economic growth across the D2N2 area and along with the D2N2 Growth Hub is always looking to help its areas businesses expand and grow, both nationally and internationally.
“As the D2N2 LEP creates its strategy for the economic future of its area, we will continue to help our area’s businesses to capitalise on every possible opportunity that is available to them, both here and overseas.”
