[2 May 2013] Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce President Mark Nodder joined a British Chambers of Commerce delegation at 10 Downing Street this morning to engage in an honest and open conversation with the Prime Minister about issues facing UK businesses.

The meeting was an opportunity for Chambers of Commerce and their members to educate senior officials within government about the vital work being carried out by businesses every day. Themes for discussion centred on international trade and exports, and what more the government can do to support existing and potential exporting businesses.  The Prime Minister was joined by Business Secretary Vince Cable and Jo Johnson the new head of policy for the Conservative Party.

Like his colleagues in the British Chambers of Commerce, Mark Nodder believes that exporting overseas will play a major part in unlocking the growth potential of the UK, and if we are to win the ’global race’ that the Prime Minister regularly speaks of, we need to be doing much more to help companies break into new international markets.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Nodder said:

“Whilst we must ensure that that the corporation tax issue remains a priority, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce believes that Northern Ireland’s future growth prospects as a regional economy are inextricably linked with its ability to grow the size of its export base.

Northern Ireland has some excellent export success stories; however the Chamber is particularly concerned about the low levels of export with only 2% of Northern Ireland’s registered business base actively exporting (1,700 businesses).

Northern Ireland Chamber is committed to inspiring more businesses to export and members that are experienced exporters are providing direct support. I took the opportunity to suggest to the Prime Minister that he introduces export vouchers to stimulate new exporters and an employment subsidy for those recruiting staff to develop international trade. I know from my personal experience that opportunities do exist for local businesses and I believe that flexible support such as export vouchers would really help SMEs.”