Welsh businesses secure £436m in new export sales

Daniel Bevan - Editor

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Welsh businesses have secured £436 million in new export sales over the past five years with support from the Welsh Government, according to Economy Secretary Rebecca Evans.

Speaking at the Explore Export Wales conference in Llandudno on 18 March, Evans said government-backed export programmes have helped companies expand internationally and enter new markets.

Exports account for more than a third of Wales’ GDP and remain central to the government’s strategy to grow the economy and support job creation.

Since the launch of the Export Action Plan in 2020, nearly 1,500 Welsh businesses have been supported to begin exporting or expand their international footprint.

Over the same period, the government has organised 89 trade missions, taking 844 business representatives to overseas markets.

International Trade Advisors have also held around 6,000 face-to-face meetings with companies, delivered more than 430 export market research projects and supported over 600 overseas business development visits.

These visits have taken Welsh businesses to markets including Kenya, Vietnam, Argentina and South Korea.

The government’s Export Cluster programme also offers peer-to-peer support across six priority sectors and currently has more than 350 members. Meanwhile, the New Exporter Programme has supported 68 companies new to international trade, with a sixth cohort now open for recruitment.

Among the firms benefiting from export support is Reacta Healthcare, a life sciences company based in north Wales that develops specialist allergy diagnostic products used in global clinical trials.

Exports now account for 100% of the company’s business. Over the past year, Reacta has grown its workforce from 50 to 80 employees while securing new clients across Europe and the United States.

The company will begin supplying the new contracts over the next three years, representing significant increases in both production volumes and revenue. To support the growth, Reacta is also expanding its floor space by 50% through a new facility adjacent to its existing site in Deeside.

Belinda Mortell, Head of Commercial at Reacta, said: “We have recently secured our largest customer contract to date, marking a significant milestone for the business.

“The growth we’ve seen over the past year — from doubling our team to soon opening a new facility — is a direct result of increasing international demand.

“The support we’ve received from the Welsh Government has been invaluable, playing a vital role in helping us enter new markets and build confidence as we continue to strengthen our international presence.”

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning Rebecca Evans said: “Exporting makes a real difference to businesses across Wales, as well as driving economic growth and creating jobs. That is why we are investing £3.5 million a year to help businesses on their export journeys.”