Exports Minister, Graham Stuart MP, has unveiled a series of new measures to support businesses in the consumer and retail industry to export overseas as part of efforts to help the sector recover from Coronavirus.

The new measures will offer immediate support to businesses by ensuring specialists provide advice on online retail and international market-places. Furthermore, the launch of a new Consumer and Retail Export Academy will provide businesses with the necessary knowledge, skills and networks to increase exports.

The plan will also outline long-term support for the sector as new export opportunities arise from trade deals being negotiated with the US, Japan, New Zealand and Australia.

Ecommerce will be at the heart of the plans.

This includes measures to help consumer and retail businesses develop international, multi-channel ecommerce strategies fit for the changing retail environment.

The value of retail sales made online has risen by more than 300% in the last 10 years. This trend is forecast to continue due to Coronavirus, with many UK businesses already experiencing growth in sales online.

Commenting is Minister for Exports, Graham Stuart. “We recognise that Coronavirus has brought challenges to many industries; not least the consumer and retail sector, where so much depends on face-to-face interactions. This package of support will give businesses the helping hand they need to adapt their methods and thrive in the future.

“More trade and investment are absolutely critical if the industry – and our whole economy – is to overcome such challenges. These measures provide both short and long-term support for businesses that employ so many people across the UK.

“As we continue to encourage businesses to increase their trade overseas, we will also ensure that they can take full advantage of the opportunities that will be unlocked through our negotiation of Free Trade Agreements with countries around the world.

The retail industry is a key pillar of the UK economy. It contributed £104bn of GVA to the UK economy in 2019, with the value of retail sales reaching £395bn in 2019; a 3.8% increase from 2018.

Also commenting is Julie Driscoll, UK regional director at Hyve Group plc. “We are thrilled to be working in collaboration with the UK Government and the Department for Trade on their plans to reinvigorate the UK retail industry.

“The retail landscape has been affected hugely by the crisis and it is a pleasure and a privilege to be able to welcome Graham Stuart, the Minister for Exports, to speak to the retail community as we bring the industry together, digitally, for Autumn Fair @ Home. We are incredibly excited to hear the latest measures that are being implemented to revive the industry and help retail bounce back.”

The full range of measures include:

• Consumer and Retail Export Academy.  A digital learning syllabus of consumer and retail-focused webinars available through DIT’s online platforms; a regional coaching programme; and an extensive library of industry-specific fact sheets on key export markets.

Boosted digital and ecommerce offer consisting of three initiatives:

1. International Clicks Fast Track Initiative. Access to new DIT partnerships with business-to-business marketplaces, increasing the routes to market following store closures due to Covid-19.
2. Omnichannel Optimiser Initiative. Tailored advice for consumer and retail businesses to develop an international multi-channel strategy to help them succeed online; exclusive ecommerce related insights from industry experts via talks, virtual events and podcasts; a specialist webinar series equipping exporters with ecommerce knowledge to advantage of the growing digital opportunities following Covid-19.
3. FDI ecommerce marketing campaign. Digitally led marketing activity to showcase ecommerce inward investment opportunities to potential international investors.

• UKEF offer. Further outreach and engagement with the industry to respond to its needs; a refreshed ‘Exporters Edge’ campaign to raise awareness of the support available; and easier access to working capital to allow a wider range of businesses to access support.
• A digital investment prospectus. A prospectus detailing the UK’s RetailTech offer and unique capabilities. There will be promotion of this in key markets to engage with inward investors.
• Showcasing ‘Brand Britain’ at global events. Leveraging government presence at high profile events such as Expo 2020 Dubai, Tokyo Olympics and the Commonwealth Games to provide a platform for consumer goods companies to showcase their offering to a global audience; enabling UK companies to use GREAT branding at global events; engaging consumer and retail businesses in the Midlands  region to help them take advantage of DIT’s international events and Hyve Group PLC’s market-leading trade shows as a platform to reach overseas buyers.