// Exports Minister Graham Stuart MP reveals new measures to support businesses in the retail industry
// The Department for International Trade will launch a new Consumer and Retail Export Academy
The UK’s Exports Minister, Graham Stuart MP, has announced a series of new measures to support businesses in the consumer and retail industry to export overseas post-Covid.
The new measures will offer support to the retail sector by ensuring specialists provide advice on online retail and international marketplaces.
The Department for International Trade (DIT) will launch a new Consumer and Retail Export Academy to provide businesses with the knowledge, skills and networks needed to increase their exports.
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The new Consumer and Retail Export Academy will provide businesses with the knowledge, skills and networks needed to increase exports.
It will also offer support as new export opportunities arise from trade deals being negotiated with the US, Japan, New Zealand and Australia.
Meanwhile, consumer and retail businesses will be provided with international, multi-channel, and ecommerce strategies as consumer behaviours increasingly shift online.
“Coronavirus has brought challenges to many industries, not least the consumer and retail sector, where so much depends on face-to-face interactions,” Stuart said.
“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 is 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 DIT said the retail industry “is a key pillar of the UK economy”, contributing £104 billion of gross value added to the UK economy in 2019.
The value of retail sales reached £395 billion in 2019, a 3.8 per cent increase on 2018.
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