SMALL businesses in Worcestershire have one of the best export/import ratios in the country according to a new report.

Compiled for express transport company FedEx, the Great British Export Report shows that 52 per cent of small businesses in the city currently export and on average export £39,652 more per month to Europe than they import – a higher figure than anywhere else in Britain. Additionally, 66 per cent of SMEs in Worcester expect to be generating revenue from domestic and international business five years from now.

"The figures reveal that small businesses in Worcestershire are making a positive contribution to reducing the trade deficit and are truly leading the way when it comes to showing larger businesses how it's done," said Trevor Hoyle, vice president, Northern Europe Operations, FedEx Express. "British SMEs are a driving force in improving the economy. The report shows that SMEs recognise how lucrative exporting can be for their business and as result more are going global, actively helping to reduce the deficit.”

"The Midlands has long been one of Britain’s manufacturing heartlands so it’s no surprise to see that 15 per cent of the region’s exporting SMEs are exporting manufactured goods, significantly higher than the British average. The Great British Export Report shows that exporting outside of Europe can be even more lucrative, but many businesses are yet to realise this, or are still reluctant to go too far out of their comfort zone. But these are the markets of the future, and those who act now stand to make the biggest gains. Ensuring our businesses have access to the right support and expertise is absolutely crucial for to helping them to grow and prosper.”