Responding to the announcement of the Atlantic Declaration, Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said:
“There’s a clear appetite among UK small businesses to trade with the US, so the Atlantic Declaration is a welcome move.
“Our research shows the US is the top non-European market for small traders in the UK – a majority (59%) of UK small exporters sell goods to the US, while almost a third (32%) small importers buy from the States.
“FSB has been part of the UK-US Governments’ SME dialogues over the last few years and helped identify a number of areas to strengthen co-operation in order to unlock the export and import potential of small businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.
“This includes developing more detailed guidance to encourage more small firms take part in international trade and simplifying customs procedures to increase efficiency and reduce trade transaction costs for small businesses.
“We’re glad to see the creation of a new US-UK digital bridge, which will help remove red tape for small businesses and empower them to access new markets. Small firms currently need to work up contractual safeguards when sending data across borders. We hope this will no longer be needed, and is therefore a practical boost to digital and service exports.
“This new US-UK partnership serves as a strong platform to continue discussions on unlocking the trade potential of small businesses. We will continue to advocate on behalf of UK small businesses and for better trade globally.”
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About FSB
As the UK’s largest business support group, FSB is the voice of the UK’s small businesses and the self-employed. Established over 40 years ago to help its members succeed in business, FSB is a non-profit making and non-party political organisation that’s led by its members, for its members. As the UK’s leading business campaigner, FSB is focused on delivering change which supports smaller businesses to grow and succeed.
FSB offers members a wide range of vital business services, including access to finance, business banking, legal advice and support along with a powerful voice in Government. Each year FSB also runs the UK’s Celebrating Small Business Awards. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk. You can follow us on twitter @fsb_policy and on Instagram @fsb_uk.