Businesses must maximise opportunities for growth offered by export markets, according to leading trade credit insurer Atradius.

The company is urging British businesses to take advantage of the nationwide support available for trade overseas, which is central to economic growth. Export growth in the UK is forecast at 3.3 percent, according to the IHS Global Insight, helping to drive a predicted increase in GDP of 2.7 percent by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).

To support exports, the UK Government is doubling the amount of lending available to exporters to £3 billion, as well as cutting interest rates to exporters by a third. Marc Jones, Head of Sales, said: “The Chancellor has made clear that the UK needs to increase activity when it comes to exporting and within the Budget, measures were taken to support businesses to export. With all eyes now on exports to boost the UK economy, there has never been a better time to capitalise on markets.”

Eric Doyle, Regional Director – Europe at Aquaterra Energy, commented: “Aquaterra Energy now has offices across three continents, and has been well recognised for its international trade; serving companies across the world from North America to East Asia.

“More than 90 percent of Aquaterra Energy’s turnover was from exports in 2008, and in 2009 the company was awarded with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade.  We look forward to seeing our international trade relationships progress in the coming year.”