Europe’s SMEs “bullish” about exports, says UPS study

Europe’s smaller companies are bullish about growing their exports over the coming year, according to a new survey commissioned by UPS. The survey, which garnered the views of more than 10,000 SME owners and directors in seven countries, found that 90% of SMEs expected export business to be stable or growing.

According to UPS: “The report also shows that exporting is strongly associated with higher overall revenue growth for SMEs, and that Europe is seeing very rapid adoption of online commerce among SME exporters.

“The UK has the highest proportion (61%) of SME exporters reporting higher revenues over the last three years, and almost the lowest proportion (11%) reporting lower revenues. The UK’s SMEs are also the second most likely to use online channels for exporting (70% of companies) – only the Netherlands has a higher proportion of SMEs exporting online (74%).”

Commenting on the findings, Cindy Miller, president, UPS Europe, said: “Exporting SMEs in Europe are maturing rapidly. SMEs in Europe are now primarily concerned about more practical issues, such as the physical safety of shipments, concerns that logistics partners can help solve in order to reach international markets.”

Miller added: “European SMEs are increasing their exports and expanding to new markets as they continue to grow their business. What is remarkable is that it’s their customers who often push them to start exporting. Perceived and real export barriers are holding many SMEs back until customers contact them for an export order. European SMEs are benefiting from export opportunities, especially in times of booming e-commerce.”

The research for the SME Exporting Insights Study 2015 took place from 15 June to 7 August 2015, with interviews conducted in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and the UK.