Royal Mail helping small businesses start exporting

Royal Mail is helping small businesses to sell internationally after research from the company found that 60 per cent of businesses are missing out as a result of not exporting abroad.

The company’s International Delivery Matters report also identified the areas that small businesses believe would generate the most sales, with 35 per cent believing that Europe holds the most potential, followed by the US and North America at 28 per cent.

Obstacles

The report also revealed the obstacles to exporting, with the cost and complexity of getting through customs being the main barrier for 26 per cent of small businesses, followed by a lack of knowledge of the market and language barriers.

Small businesses are searching for more exporting opportunities, with 10 per cent wishing to sell to non-EU customers and 15 per cent who currently sell to non-EU customers searching for even more opportunities.

Royal Mail is now supporting small businesses looking to export abroad, advising them to research the market and consider online marketplaces.

The company also suggested that businesses consider using services such as international tracking and signature services when it comes to shipping their products, as this will help to give customers more confidence in the business.

Daunting

Royal Mail Head of Parcels, Roger Morris, commented: “Getting started as an exporter can be daunting. We have taken significant steps to help businesses looking to start exporting, from in-depth research into international markets, to enhancements to our international products. We believe that international is just another postcode. We work with businesses to establish reliable value for money services.”