New government support scheme for exporters could harm UK plc: A NEW REPORT BY THE SPONSORS ALLIANCE IS SCATHING OF THE GOVERNMENT'S LATEST INITIATIVE TO PROVIDE AID FOR EXPORTERS

摘要

The Sponsors' Alliance (SA) were unanimous that the current SESA/TAP scheme could have a negative impact on the UK's export performance. SA members expect a reduction in both the number of groups organised to attend overseas exhibitions and missions, as well as a reduction in the size of those groups which do continue. SESA/TAP (or Support for Exhibitors and Seminars Abroad / Trade Access Promotion) is spearheaded by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), a branch of the DTI, to provide SMEs with grants to attend overseas exhibitions and other events. But SA has revealed in a survey of its members that barely one-third of the number of companies will take advantage of funding under UKTI's SESA/TAP scheme in 2006/07 compared to the number in 2005/06. Most of these SMEs are seeking to expand then export business into new markets.