Alibaba.com to showcase UK exporting opportunities during International Trade Week
Alibaba.com, the leading platform for global wholesale trade, is putting export opportunity at the top of its agenda for UK businesses during International Trade Week next week, 31 October – 4 November 2022.
In partnership with the Department for International Trade, a series of events taking place in Manchester (2 November), Birmingham (3 November) and Cambridge (4 November) will be an opportunity for local businesses to learn about how B2B marketplace Alibaba.com can help them export around the world and grow their business.
Alibaba's Roland Palmer
Roland Palmer, General Manager for the UK, Benelux and Nordics at Alibaba Group, said: “There is a massive appetite across the world for UK goods. By trading internationally, UK businesses of all sizes can access more customers and new markets, diversify and spread business risk, and leverage a platform for innovative ideas and new practices.
“We want to ensure more businesses are given the support they need to achieve global growth. Filling the knowledge gap, especially for SMEs starting on their export journey, is critical.”
In a recent survey of over 2,000 UK businesses, almost half were concerned about the challenges of cross-border trade, despite recognising the export potential, with the biggest barriers to exporting identified as paperwork and customs rules.
Confidence among UK businesses that do currently export is high, with 78% saying they expect their export sales to increase in the next 12 months. UK businesses are also seeing the benefit of online channels, with 92% of those currently exporting using online marketplaces, and 68% saying it’s a key part of their export strategy.
Tommy Crooks, Managing Director of The Edinburgh Natural Skincare Company, which recently joined Alibaba.com, said: “Currently we have two stores in Edinburgh, but selling to the world through online marketplaces such as Alibaba.com takes our business to another level.
“As a 100% natural skincare business, we’re also very well placed to take advantage of the quality and heritage associated with British brands. It’s incredibly exciting to be able to turn our export ambitions into reality.”
At last year’s International Trade Week, the government unveiled its export strategy, with a goal to raise exports to £1 trillion by the mid-2030s or sooner, supported by improved finance and support services.
Attending businesses this year will learn more about how Alibaba.com can help them cost effectively reach and match with buyers in new markets. The platform has more than 40 million active buyers in over 190 countries including the US, India, Brazil and across the EU.
