New figures from HMRC reveals that the region is home to more than 13,000 exporters with an average value per exporter of £2.1m but the rise does lag behind the national figure. Tony McDonough reports

Firms in Merseyside and the North West exported goods worth £28.8bn in 2017 – a 3.6% rise on 2016.

New figures from HMRC reveals that the region is home to more than 13,000 exporters with an average value per exporter of £2.1m.

However, separate figures from the Office for National Statistics based on a February 2017 to the end of January 2018 analysis showed overall UK goods exports soared by 12.6% to £344.5bn. Services exports were up 10.1% to £281.4bn.

Paul Stowers, regional director at the Department for International Trade (DIT) for the North West, said: “HMRC’s latest figures, which cover the full first year since the EU referendum, demonstrate the appetite for British goods abroad and the potential for businesses who want to expand overseas.

“They back up the experience of the many companies in the North West we work with daily that are already feeling the benefits of increased global trade and finding success in other markets.”

One North West-based business that has experienced this uplift first-hand is St Helens-based ATG Access.

The company – which provides vehicle barrier and security services – has enjoyed its most successful 12 months to date with exports now accounting for 70% of the company’s overall business growth.

This was the result of securing a large, high security project in China, continued investment into their distributor network and their first high security orders from Japan and Estonia, thanks to the support of the DIT.

The figures come ahead of the third International Business Festival to be held in Liverpool in June, welcoming business people from across the world.