Suffolk businesses are being encouraged to consider exporting as part of trade opportunities after Brexit.

A report prepared by Colin Noble when he was still cabinet member for economic development was published ahead of yesterday’s Suffolk County Council meeting, and outlined support for firms which wished to export.

The report said that in April there were two events surrounding exporting – one on gaining feedback from existing local businesses trading abroad – and another aimed at educating firms on the benefits of exports.

The report continued: “Evidence from Department of International Trade (DIT) shows that only a small percentage of companies export but there are many more that share the same characteristics as these exporters.

“We are working to get these companies exporting by working with the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Suffolk Chamber of Commerce and the DIT to encourage them to do so.

“This work will be launched on the 25 June 2018 with a major exporting event that will encourage 200 local companies to come and hear from existing exporters and find out how they can do the same.”

The drive has been linked to the Invest in Suffolk Business Ambassadors programme – a scheme involving the county council and Suffolk Chamber of Commerce which aims to highlight Suffolk as a good business destination.

John Dugmore, chief executive of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, said it was key to help businesses as they entered new markets through exporting.

“Suffolk Chamber plays a vital role in assisting local businesses, especially those looking to export through our documentation service and to break into new markets via our bespoke international trade training and country specific workshops,” he said.

“We are working hard to ensure there will be support available for our local exporting businesses as they adapt to any new trading arrangements, and look forward to working alongside Suffolk County Council in achieving this.”

Invest in Suffolk has more than 100 business leaders who have been helping share their experiences and highlight the benefits, with close links to key ports such as Felixstowe a key bonus being highlighted.