County's exporters should be an inspiration

Paul Stowers, acting director at the Department for International Trade (DIT), said the performance highlighted the global demand for goods and services delivered by Lancashire businesses.

The performance was highlighted in the latest economic survey produced by the county’s Chambers of Commerce showing export sales and order balances at record highs among manufacturers.

The Department for International Trade is partnering with the Be Inspired Business Awards, the BIBAs, in support of its Exporter of the Year prize category this year.

Next Monday, the awards get underway with its first round of judging seeing hundreds of businesses involved in face-to-face interviews with panels.

Mr Stowers said: “We know that goods and services produced in this country have huge appeal across the globe and more and more businesses in places like Lancashire are seeking to harness these opportunities.

“We know that businesses which export are more flexible, agile and resilient than those which do not and the performance of Lancashire’s manufacturers bears out this belief.

“The Department for International Trade offers support to those seeking to export and already exporting because we know a healthy economy needs to be selling overseas - and, looking at these figures, Lancashire is leading the way,” he added.

The Quarterly Economic Survey, produced in partnership with accountancy firm, Moore and Smalley, spoke with 229 businesses employing 10,860 people across Lancashire.

The wide-ranging survey included 133 firms which were involved in exports.

The Be Inspired in Business Awards is the largest and longest running business awards programme.

This year it features 18 prize categories and it aims to drive growth, cultivate excellence and fuel innovation throughout the Lancashire economy.