Cumbria Chamber of Commerce has reported a significant increase in demand for its Export Documentation Service, with a rise in both the volume and value of exports processed over the past financial year.
As an accredited issuer of export documentation for businesses in Cumbria, the Chamber plays a vital role in helping businesses trade internationally.
In the financial year 2024-25, the Chamber processed exports worth £281.6 million, up from £247.2 million the previous year, which is an increase of £34.4 million. To meet this growing demand, the Chamber handled around 3,000 documents over the course of the year, up from 2,528 in 2023-24, an average of 250 documents per month.
The Chamber has handled documentation for goods produced in Cumbria and exported across the globe with the highest value of goods going to Turkey, followed by Chile, South Africa and the United States. Other markets include Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, the UAE and Morocco.
The increase is down to a number of clients whose exports have grown significantly over the past year. These include:
- Stolle Europe exporting beverage can manufacturing machinery, conveying and spare parts
- Kendal Nutricare exporting baby formula milk
- Omega Proteins exporting animal protein products
Managing Director, Suzanne Caldwell, said: “These figures highlight the resilience and ambition of Cumbrian exporters, despite global uncertainty. We’re seeing strong growth across multiple sectors and as a Chamber we’re proud to support our members and the wider business community in this achievement.”
The Chamber’s Export Documentation Service forms part of its newly launched Export Consultancy designed to support businesses of all sizes to navigate the challenges and opportunities of international trade.
Led by Martyn Staveley of Three Peaks Consulting, the Export Consultancy offers tailored support to new, scaling, and established exporters. Areas of support include diagnostic assessments and market research for new exporters, growth strategies for scaling businesses, and targeted problem-solving for established exporters.
Martyn brings over 15 years of experience working in international trade and has recently delivered export support for the Welsh Government, helping businesses in a range sectors including food and drink, engineering, aerospace, services, and software succeed in international markets. His approach starts with an initial conversation to agree on a tailored export plan, offering a mix of in-person and remote support, market research, contacts, and ideas. Martyn is joined on the programme by Rodothea (Rose) Moraiti who specialises in exporting food and drink products.
In addition to expert support and export documentation, the service will also provide export training for businesses and will connect businesses with key international contacts and opportunities through the international Chamber network spanning 75 international markets.
Click here to learn more about our Export Consultancy Service.
Suzanne Caldwell said: “Exporting not only provides opportunities for individual businesses to grow, but also brings wider benefits to the Cumbrian economy. I’d strongly recommend to any business thinking of getting started in export or established exporters facing barriers to growth or other challenges, to consider the holistic support available through our Export Consultancy Service. For more information contact Lesley Robinson via lesleyr@cumbriachamber.co.uk.”
Click here to learn more about our Export Documentation Service.
