28% SMEs expect international growth by 2016

This figure represents a 20% increase on the number of countries they currently trade with according to the new study by Citrix and YouGov.

Of those currently selling internationally (42 %) almost one in two sell through the business’ own websites (45 %) and a growing number (14 %) are using online marketplaces. 

And while Europe and North America continue to dominate international trading relationships, at least one in ten UK SMEs say they are doing business outside of these markets. Significantly, younger SME managers (25-44 age group) are more likely to be trading with emerging markets than those aged 45 and over.

Emma Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation, commented:

“With over 2bn people and millions of businesses now online across the globe, it has never been easier for small businesses to trade internationally. 

"In an increasingly digital world, many of today’s start-ups are thinking globally from day one and reaping the benefits, however there are also many small businesses that aren’t online and aren’t exploring the potential of international trade. Whether you’re a small business owner looking to take your first international order or expand into emerging markets there’s a wealth of advice, support and funding available to help you make your ambitions a reality.”

However, the report indicates that many UK SMEs are still not convinced by the benefits of international trading. The two biggest reasons cited for not doing more international business were that products or services weren’t relevant to trading internationally, and there is more opportunity for growth locally.