Businesses in Suffolk remain ahead of the game when it comes to exporting, according to a new survey.

The latest quarterly survey by Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, covering the period from April to June this year, shows export orders at some of the highest levels since 2001.

With the findings at county level forming part of a wider national survey compiled by British Chambers of Commerce, the survey also shows both manufacturing and service sector firms in Suffolk achieving export sales and orders above the national average,

“This latest important survey is very encouraging,” said Suffolk Chamber president Peter Funnell. “Suffolk firms clearly understand the opportunities that exist to develop their business through exporting.

“Last quarter’s export performance was strong, and the current report confirms strength and consistency and most importantly that export sales continue to improve.”

Dr Funnell added: “Suffolk has excellent international connections, a confident and outward-looking business culture and high quality professional business support

“Our export performance in Suffolk underpins untapped potential for expansion. The chamber is determined, through our ‘Exporting is Good for Suffolk’ campaign, to optimise the economic and employment growth that is within our reach.

“In a county with a significant services sector it is vital that export performance is strong and we are indeed seeing that.

“The Prime Minister recently suggested that if 100,000 more SMEs started selling overseas they could add £30billion to the British economy and wipe out the trade deficit.

“Whilst this is ambitious I am confident that Suffolk businesses are playing their part in this.”

The chamber survey, which was analysed by a research team at Suffolk County Council, also shows, however, that one area which remains of most concern to businesses in the county is cash flow.

A significant proportion of firms in both manufacturing and the service sector reported problems in this area.