Urgent action required to help small firms unlock trade benefits

06 Nov 2025

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has called for 'urgent action' to help small firms unlock trade deal benefits.

Data published by the business group showed that only 16% of micro-exporters saw increased overseas orders in the third quarter of this year. 27% experienced a decrease and 57% reported no change.

The BCC also found that sentiment amongst exporters is weak, with only 24% of all exporters reporting increased overseas sales. It has called on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to use the upcoming Budget to help boost exports by reforming customs systems; delivering a trade accelerator programme for UK businesses; and consulting on a UK carbon border adjustment mechanism.

'The growing disparity between the experience of the UK's largest and smallest exporters is deeply concerning,' said William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC.

'It underlines our call for urgent government action, in partnership with business, to help smaller firms reap the benefits of trade. 

'Boosting exports is the quickest way to grow our economy, and our data should be a wake-up call for policymakers.'