The strategy outlines how the UK exported £508 billion worth of services in 2024, with goods – often seen as more suited to overseas trade – bringing in £314 billion.

The UK is now the second largest exporter of services in the world, but a British Chambers of Commerce survey found that it is still a struggle for smaller firms, with only one in five micro businesses seeing growth in the second quarter of 2025.

Keely Hancox, head of operations at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, is urging firms in the region to make the most of help on offer to develop their own international markets.

Exporting Starts Here, which is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, delivers hands-on guidance, workshops, peer networking, and market intelligence to companies at all stages of their export journey.

And, with that support available, Keely believes the region is well placed to deliver on some of the aims of the Trade Strategy.

She said: “While we are, of course, still working with and encouraging our manufacturers to trade globally, we’re making the case directly to our service sector companies to look at exporting.

“Sometimes, when we think of exports, we think of containers being shipped around the world but the market for services is huge and here in the UK and, indeed, the West Midlands, we’ve got an incredible service sector – from digital through to legal and professional.

“So, if you are a business in the service sector that hasn’t looked at exporting before, make the most of the help on offer and get in touch.

“The economic climate is tough so every business must make the most of every opportunity they have to grow, and exporting opens you up to a huge market to sell your services.”

Coventry-based SLT Media Limited, a marketing consultancy that helps businesses adapt their websites, branding, and communications for international markets, is working with Exporting Starts Here to grow its overseas market-share.

Paulina Patrykowska, Founder and CEO of SLT Media Limited, said the company had seen global growth since tapping into the help on offer.

She said: “Exporting services is like future proofing your business. You're no longer limited to a single market, you're opening the door to global opportunity.

“Thanks to Exporting Starts Here, I gained the confidence, knowledge and structure I needed to take that leap. It helped me turn an idea into a clear plan, and now I'm building international connections that will grow our business for years to come.”

David Zell, Assistant Delivery Manager – Business Programmes at WMCA, added:
“We welcome the UK Trade Strategy’s renewed focus on service exports. It directly supports the work we’re delivering in the region. By helping businesses such as SLT Media refine its export strategy, we’re giving the company the best opportunity to grow and, in turn, boosting the regional economy.

“I’d urge more businesses to get in touch with the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce or Business Growth West Midlands to make the most of the help on offer.”

Exporting Starts Here is delivered by Coventry & Warwickshire, Greater Birmingham and Black Country Chambers of Commerce and is open to both goods and service-led businesses across the West Midlands.

To access export support or learn more, visit:
cw-chamber.co.uk/international-trade/Exporting-Starts-Here

Businesses are also being encouraged to attend the West Midlands International Trade Summit in September. For more information or to book a free place go to https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/west-midlands-international-trade-summit-2025/