Exporting can help support UK manufacturing

by Rudy Scheinost

The UK's standing as a manufacturing force has waned over the last 50 years. But now the weak pound has started to make British exports more economically viable for foreign companies.

This is bolstering the sector and in turn prompting more manufacturers to start hiring again. Markit's purchasing managers' index showed that the number of appointments also grew for the second consecutive month.

Stephen Alambritis, spokesperson for the Federation of Small Businesses, said that exporting offers businesses a great way to expand because other country's economies are recovering quicker than ours.

"Many small firms would not have the opportunity to export as they are the local butcher or café who serves the local community. For many businesses, knowing that they can export and getting the right information and contacts would be a good start to getting more businesses exporting," he said.

The Office for National Statistics recently stated that the UK's deficit on trade in goods and services was £3.7 billion in March, compared with a deficit of £2.2 billion in February.