Exports programme boosts Welsh business revenues by £60m
Exports programme boosts Welsh business revenues by £60m
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A Welsh Government support scheme has helped firms across Wales generate more than £60 million in additional revenues through exporting, with 15 more companies now selected to accelerate their international growth.
The New Exporter Programme, part of the Welsh Government’s Export Action Plan for Wales, is designed to embed exporting as a core part of business growth strategies.
Each year, it provides small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with bespoke support in areas such as international marketing, pitching, overseas sales processes, and export strategy development. Participants also take part in a market visit to the Netherlands to meet potential partners and customers.
Over its first three years, the programme has boosted revenues of participating companies by a combined £62 million.
One of the businesses to benefit is North Wales-based Limb-art, which manufactures high-quality decorative prosthetic leg covers for lower-limb amputees. Founded by former Paralympian Mark Williams, the company has expanded into key global markets.
Limb-art expects to generate more than £500,000 in export revenue over the next three to five years, with overseas sales accounting for 50% of turnover. The firm also plans to create three new jobs.
Williams said: “It’s been incredible seeing how exporting has completely transformed our revenue streams, and we can see how international sales could fuel our growth over the years to come.
“Our exporting journey has not been without its challenges. Paperwork has been a particular difficulty for us when entering new markets as our product is so unique that it doesn’t appear on custom forms.
“The Welsh Government has been instrumental in making it as easy as possible for us to get our products to our overseas distributors, saving us valuable time and energy.”
The Welsh Government says the initiative is a vital part of strengthening the economy by increasing the number of businesses trading internationally.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: “Export support for businesses in Wales is a high priority for this Welsh Government because we know the impact it can have on business growth and resilience.
“Through our Export Action Plan we are helping to transform businesses, drive innovation and productivity, and provide long term, sustainable employment in a competitive global economy.”
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